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Wind Tower Integration and Prefabricated Structures in Sustainable Desert Living

Authors:
Alen Residovic, Erna Grcic Residovic
Wind Tower Integration and Prefabricated Structures in Sustainable Desert Living

Project in-detail

Incorporating a Wind Tower and prefabricated structures, the design effectively addresses energy efficiency and climate adaptation while serving as a sustainable residence in the arid landscape of Dubai.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a Wind Tower for enhanced natural cooling.
02
Utilizes prefabricated walls to minimize construction waste.
03
Integrates solar panels for energy self-sufficiency.
04
Features a communal Majlis that reflects local traditions.
05
Employs an advanced rainwater harvesting system for irrigation.

### Overview
Located in the Al Qudra Desert of Dubai, the House of the Future serves as a contemporary architectural model that harmonizes modern living with ecological responsibility. This initiative showcases a thoughtful integration of traditional Bedouin concepts within a framework designed to respond to the surrounding desert environment, prioritizing sustainability, innovation, and cultural resonance.

### Spatial Organization
The residential layout is strategically developed across three levels—basement, ground floor, and first floor—on a 15x30 meter plot with an expansion capability of up to 123 sqm. The basement is designed for functionality, encompassing a heavy cooking kitchen, staff accommodations, and storage space. The ground level features interconnected living and dining areas that open to the outdoor environment, as well as a flexible gym/office space and necessary utility facilities. The first floor accommodates private areas, including a master suite and two additional bedrooms, complemented by a balcony that enhances both living space and outdoor interaction.

### Material and Energy Efficiency
Material selection plays a crucial role in maintaining the project’s sustainability objectives. The employment of locally sourced and environmentally conscious materials reduces the carbon footprint. Prefabricated walls expedite construction while minimizing waste. The roof integrates solar panels for energy generation, supported by lightweight yet durable aluminum and steel structural components. The use of concrete and plaster provides thermal mass, optimizing passive heating and cooling strategies.

### Advanced Sustainable Solutions
In response to water scarcity, an advanced irrigation system utilizes rainwater collected via the Wind Tower, which also serves as a natural cooling mechanism. The project is powered by a combination of solar energy and wind turbines, with a battery system in place to store excess energy. Additionally, smart home technology includes a centralized Smart Panel that controls climate, lighting, and security, allowing for adaptive responses to environmental conditions and occupancy.

### Community Engagement
Landscape design incorporates native plants, such as date palms and bougainvillea, which enhance the aesthetic appeal while requiring minimal water. Communal spaces, or Majlis, foster social interactions and encourage cultural continuity, providing a modern response to traditional community gatherings.

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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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