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Wind-Catcher Design Featuring Glass Fiber-Reinforced Concrete and Sustainable Landscaping for Modern Living

Wind-Catcher Design Featuring Glass Fiber-Reinforced Concrete and Sustainable Landscaping for Modern Living

Project in-detail

Incorporating a contemporary wind-catcher structure made from Glass Fiber-Reinforced Concrete, this villa maximizes natural ventilation and light while seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces for a modern family living experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a contemporary wind-catcher for enhanced natural airflow.
02
Utilizes Glass Fiber-Reinforced Concrete for durability and design flexibility.
03
Features a seamless connection between indoor living areas and outdoor gardens.
04
Employs extensive landscaping as a cooling strategy to reduce heat gain.
05
Balances traditional cultural elements with modern functional design principles.

## Architectural Design Report: Residential Villa Project

### Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, the residential villa project reflects a modern interpretation of traditional Emirati architecture, emphasizing sustainability and responsiveness to local climatic conditions. The design incorporates a contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional wind-catcher, optimizing airflow and natural light while enhancing the overall functionality of the space.

### Spatial Strategy and Layout

The villa's layout is strategically designed to promote efficient circulation and privacy. The ground floor encompasses a living room and a majlis, which serves as a focal point for cultural gatherings, accessible through a separate entrance. Adjacent to the majlis, the kitchen and pantry are positioned for functional efficiency. Bedrooms, situated at the rear, are designed to ensure quiet and privacy, with visual connections to outdoor gardens. The first floor hosts additional bedrooms, each benefiting from private terraces, while expansive windows facilitate natural light in common areas. The open staircase, crafted from glass and light framing, enhances vertical connectivity and allows daylight to penetrate through the void, contributing to the overall spaciousness.

### Materiality and Sustainability Features

The material selection prioritizes both aesthetic and functional performance. Glass Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) serves as the primary façade material, providing durability and a contemporary finish. A Light Steel Frame (LSF) construction method increases efficiency while supporting structural integrity. Double-glazed windows minimize heat gain, ensuring comfortable living conditions, while natural stone flooring utilizes local materials, offering durability and thermal mass. Additionally, wooden elements incorporated in the interior contribute warmth to the living spaces.

Sustainability is central to the design through natural ventilation strategies inspired by the wind-catcher concept. Implementing operable windows enhances cross-ventilation, while strategic landscaping with vegetative layers helps regulate indoor temperatures. Thorough orientation analysis informs window placement, effectively reducing direct sun exposure during peak hours, reinforcing the project's commitment to sustainable living in a challenging climate.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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