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Wind Tower and Copper Cladding Shape Sustainable Living in Circular Design

Authors:
Matteo Gravante, Sebastián Maximiliano Torelli Conde, Matteo Gravante
Wind Tower and Copper Cladding Shape Sustainable Living in Circular Design

Project in-detail

Characterized by a central wind tower and copper cladding, this residence integrates sustainable materials and communal spaces to create an efficient living environment that emphasizes energy conservation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Features a central wind tower that enhances natural ventilation and air quality.
02
Utilizes copper cladding to provide durability and aesthetic warmth.
03
Incorporates a circular layout promoting community interaction and accessibility.
04
Integrates photovoltaic panels for on-site energy generation.
05
Employs fiber-cement panels for lightweight, sustainable exterior finishes.

### Project Overview

Located in a context that emphasizes both cultural heritage and modern sustainability, the House of the Future integrates traditional architectural practices with contemporary environmental considerations. The design seeks to achieve energy efficiency while acknowledging historical architectural elements, particularly those associated with traditional Arabian majalis, which serve as communal gathering spaces. The project aims to foster a sense of community and social interaction among inhabitants through its spatial organization and innovative technologies.

### Spatial Configuration and Experience

The design features a circular layout centered around a communal core, reflecting ancient principles of architecture while enhancing user experience. This configuration supports communal activities and encourages interaction among residents. The central courtyard promotes natural light and air circulation, serving as the social nucleus of the home. Radial circulation further enhances accessibility, facilitating smooth transitions between communal and private areas. Distinctive elements, such as the wind tower, are incorporated for passive cooling and improved indoor air quality, optimizing comfort without reliance on mechanical systems.

### Sustainable Material Strategies

The material selection aligns with both aesthetic and functional requirements, showcasing a balance of traditional and modern influences. Reinforced concrete provides structural stability, while copper cladding on the wind tower enables efficient air circulation. Fiber cement panels ensure durability against the elements and environmental friendliness. Integrated photovoltaic panels contribute to energy generation, and strategic placement of glass windows maximizes natural light while controlling heat gain. Native plants incorporated into landscaping further enhance the building's integration into its environment, promoting sustainability and ecological stewardship.

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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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