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Wind Catchers and GRC Facades in a Sustainable Courtyard Residence

Wind Catchers and GRC Facades in a Sustainable Courtyard Residence

Project in-detail

Integrating wind catchers and GRC facades, this residence employs sustainable materials to enhance natural ventilation while providing an adaptable living space within a courtyard layout.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates wind catchers for natural ventilation and reduced energy use.
02
Utilizes GRC facades for lightweight durability and aesthetic flexibility.
03
Features private rooftop gardens to enhance urban green space.
04
Integrates open courtyards that foster communal interaction and light penetration.
05
Employs strategic thermal insulation with lime plaster for energy efficiency.

**Project Overview**

Located within a context informed by traditional courtyard houses, the design integrates regional climatic and cultural influences to fulfill contemporary living requirements. The intent is to create a residential project that harmonizes modern environmental considerations with historical architectural forms, prioritizing both sustainability and functionality.

**Spatial Configuration and Circulation Strategy**

The design features a cubic volume system divided into distinct compartments that enable functional zoning without sacrificing aesthetic coherence. Multiple configurations—individual, twin, and stacked designs—offer flexibility based on client needs and site constraints. An open-plan layout facilitates smooth movement between spaces, while the strategic orientation of the building maximizes natural light exposure and scenic views.

**Materiality and Sustainability**

The material selection emphasizes thermal efficiency and environmental sustainability. Concrete serves as the backbone for structural integrity, while lime plaster enhances insulation and supports eco-friendly building practices. Glass reinforced concrete (GRC) is employed for façades, providing design versatility with a lightweight, robust quality. This material palette collectively contributes to energy efficiency and aesthetic harmony, with careful detailing ensuring both durability and visual interest.

**Enhancements to User Experience**

Key design elements include private rooftops that function as recreational spaces, integrated wind catchers for natural ventilation, and open courtyards that encourage communal interaction and enrich the indoor environment with natural light. The façades exhibit a rhythmic play between solid and void, featuring strategically positioned openings and shading devices that balance privacy with light access. Surrounding landscaping further enhances the building's aesthetic and microclimate, creating a vibrant outdoor environment that complements the residential experience.

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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

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
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The Architect's Chair
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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