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Wind Tower Utilization and Low-Carbon Concrete Construction in Sustainable Residential Design

Authors:
Antonio De Rosa, Gabriele Vaccaro, Giuseppe D'emilio, Francesca Romana Nardis
Wind Tower Utilization and Low-Carbon Concrete Construction in Sustainable Residential Design

Project in-detail

Incorporating a wind tower for natural ventilation and constructed with low-carbon concrete, this residential design prioritizes sustainability while accommodating modern living needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a traditional wind tower for passive cooling.
02
Constructed using low-carbon concrete to reduce environmental impact.
03
Features a façade with textured elements for improved thermal performance.
04
Utilizes intelligent irrigation systems for water-efficient landscaping.
05
Designed with flexibility for future adaptations and expansions.

### Overview
Located in Dubai, this residential development emphasizes eco-sustainability, innovative construction techniques, and a blend of traditional and contemporary design elements. The intent is to create a living space that harmonizes with the local climate while providing modern comforts to its residents.

### Spatial Strategy
The design incorporates a two-level layout that distinguishes functional zones effectively. The ground floor includes service areas such as the kitchen, utility room, and garage, alongside communal living spaces that promote family interaction, including an open dining area that connects with an outdoor terrace through expansive windows and sliding doors. The first floor is dedicated to private living, featuring four bedrooms, each equipped with en-suite bathrooms that ensure resident privacy while maintaining visual and physical connections to the communal areas below.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The exterior of the building is characterized by a modern aesthetic that incorporates traditional Arabian motifs, highlighted by a modern reinterpretation of the wind tower. This feature enhances natural cooling, minimizing reliance on mechanical systems. The façade utilizes varying textures, combining smooth surfaces with intricate patterned elements to reduce solar gain. Sustainable materials—including low-emissivity glass, recycled wood, low-carbon concrete, and gypsum board—are integral to the construction, promoting energy efficiency and reducing ecological impact.

Additional sustainability measures include strategically placed photovoltaic solar panels, an efficient heat pump system, intelligent irrigation, and passive ventilation strategies that collectively enhance the building's energy self-sufficiency. The design also anticipates future adaptability, allowing for potential expansion as the needs of its occupants evolve.

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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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