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Wind Tower and Local Stone Create a Sustainable Family Home Emphasizing Natural Ventilation

Author:
Chang Yuan Max Hsu
Wind Tower and Local Stone Create a Sustainable Family Home Emphasizing Natural Ventilation

Project in-detail

Incorporating a traditional wind tower and using locally sourced stone, the design fosters natural ventilation while creating a communal family home that reflects cultural heritage and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a traditional wind tower, enhancing natural ventilation and indoor comfort.
02
Local stone is used extensively throughout the exterior, establishing a strong connection to the regional landscape.
03
The flexible layout allows for communal and private spaces to coexist, fostering family interaction.
04
A sunken canopy serves as a multifunctional outdoor area, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living.
05
Integrated solar panels provide renewable energy, highlighting the commitment to sustainability and efficiency.
This architectural project, referred to as “The House as a Qarya,” embodies a thoughtful integration of traditional Middle Eastern design principles with contemporary lifestyles. The project is situated in a region that values communal living, making it a reflection of social customs and family dynamics prevalent in the area. At its core, this design represents a modern interpretation of what a domestic environment can be, fostering interaction without compromising the necessary elements of privacy and comfort.

The overall function of the project is to serve as a family home, while also accommodating social gatherings and shared activities that are integral to community life. It employs an open layout that organizes functional spaces around a central courtyard, promoting a sense of togetherness. This layout echoes historical patterns of habitation, where families would gather in communal areas while having personal spaces nearby, ensuring that the architecture respects cultural contexts while providing modern conveniences.

Key components of this architectural design include generously sized living areas designed for flexibility. These spaces facilitate various gatherings, from intimate family dinners to larger social events. The majlis, a traditional space for receiving guests, has been integral to the design, blending local customs with contemporary comfort. Bedrooms are designed as serene retreats equipped with private balconies that overlook the courtyard, reinforcing the connection between indoor and outdoor living.

Materiality plays a significant role in the project's overall character. The use of locally sourced stone for walls and flooring establishes a sense of permanence, while wood details bring warmth into the home. Energy-efficient glass is incorporated widely to ensure that natural light floods the interior spaces, creating an inviting atmosphere that blurs the lines between the inside and outdoors. Aluminum is used for structural frames and details, providing modern aesthetics alongside functional support.

One of the unique design approaches within this project is the incorporation of the wind tower, a historical architectural feature reimagined to enhance natural ventilation and facilitate passive cooling throughout the home. This element not only serves a practical purpose but also captures a sense of regional identity. The sunken canopy serves as a multifunctional outdoor space, extending living areas into nature and encouraging a healthy lifestyle anchored in ecological interaction.

Furthermore, sustainability is a fundamental aspect of the architecture. The placement of solar panels on the roof reflects a proactive stance toward energy efficiency and renewable resources, while an intricate water management system ensures that rainwater is collected and reused effectively. All these components speak to a larger commitment to environmental responsibility and adaptability.

As readers explore this architectural endeavor further, they will uncover a range of details, including architectural plans and sections that showcase the thoughtful consideration given to both aesthetics and functionality. The design articulates contemporary architectural ideas while remaining firmly rooted in the cultural fabric of its geographical location. Those interested in understanding the nuances of this project are encouraged to delve deeper into the presentation, where insights into the architectural designs and the underlying concepts can provide a richer context for this remarkable example of modern living.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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