Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Wind-Catching Design Utilizing Light Concrete and Integrated Green Spaces for Modern Living

Authors:
Omar Ahmed Elsherbini Elsayed Elsherbini, Samar Nady Farah Agban, Hady Mohamed Hady Taher Issa, Sally Nabil Guirguis Barsoum
Wind-Catching Design Utilizing Light Concrete and Integrated Green Spaces for Modern Living

Project in-detail

Leveraging the traditional wind-catcher for passive cooling, this residence integrates light concrete and ample green spaces to create a comfortable, sustainable environment for modern family living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a traditional wind-catcher for enhanced passive cooling.
02
Incorporates extensive green spaces within the residential footprint.
03
Features light grey concrete with textured finishes for aesthetic appeal.
04
Designed with multi-level stepping to reduce visual bulk.
05
Integrates accessibility features throughout the layout for inclusivity.

### Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, Build Catch presents an innovative residential design that addresses both aesthetic and functional requirements, emphasizing sustainability and inclusivity. The project incorporates traditional architectural elements, particularly the wind-catcher, reflecting a blend of historic significance and contemporary living standards. This design strategy is aimed at enhancing natural ventilation and thermal comfort, essential in the region's arid climate.

### Spatial Strategy and Communal Focus

The layout of Build Catch is methodically designed to balance communal and private spaces. Key spatial strategies include the integration of courtyards that serve as central gathering points, fostering community interaction while ensuring privacy for residents. The building's stepping profile introduces variability in height, which not only enhances visual appeal but also reduces the perceived mass of the structure. Additionally, the circulation paths throughout the home have been thoughtfully arranged to promote smooth movement and connection between spaces.

### Material Selection and Environmental Considerations

Material choice is integral to the design, both for aesthetic cohesion and functional performance. The use of light grey concrete for structural elements provides a modern appearance, while off-white stucco enhances heat reflection, thereby improving energy efficiency. Wooden components are utilized in shading structures to add warmth and texture, contributing to comfort without compromising on style. Steel elements finished in electrostatic black reinforce structural integrity while offering a contemporary industrial aesthetic. These materials collectively demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices, supporting passive cooling and reducing reliance on energy-intensive systems.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy