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Wind Towers and Adobe Facades Enhancing Sustainable Living in Residential Design

Author:
Khalil Mohammad Khalil Alsuradi
Wind Towers and Adobe Facades Enhancing Sustainable Living in Residential Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing wind towers and adobe facades, the design implements traditional cooling techniques and sustainable materials to create an energy-efficient residential space that fosters community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Wind towers enhance natural ventilation and indoor air quality.
02
Adobe façades provide thermal insulation and reflect local craftsmanship.
03
Vertical gardens contribute to biodiversity and improve aesthetics.
04
Rainwater harvesting system supports sustainable water management.
05
Photovoltaic glass integrated into the structure generates renewable energy.

### Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, the project integrates traditional Emirati architectural principles with contemporary design solutions, addressing the region's unique climatic and cultural context. The intent is to create a residence that reflects historical influences while meeting the requirements of modern living through sustainable practices.

### Spatial Organization

The layout of the residence is designed to optimize both social interaction and privacy. Central living areas, including the living room and dining space, are strategically located to encourage communal activities. Private sleeping quarters are positioned to ensure seclusion without sacrificing accessibility. Workspaces, including a study and home office, are integrated into the design, promoting a balance between personal and professional needs. The circulation design enhances navigability while facilitating natural light and airflow, contributing to the overall comfort of the interior environment.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The project employs a diverse range of materials that align with both aesthetic and environmental goals. Key materials include adobe façade plaster for thermal insulation, recycled composite decking to minimize ecological impact, and photovoltaic glass that generates energy from sunlight. Additional features such as gypsum wall finishes provide durability and refined aesthetics, while steel joists offer structural support without compromising open spatial configurations. Traditional elements, such as plaster and stone, enhance the building's connection to its heritage.

Sustainability is embedded in the project's framework through rainwater harvesting systems that efficiently manage water resources, as well as the integration of solar power via photovoltaic cells. Natural cooling techniques, including wind towers and mashrabiyaa, exemplify the adaptation of historical methods to contemporary needs, ensuring energy efficiency and comfort in the desert climate. Features such as skylights with retractable canopies and vertical gardens further enhance the sustainability aspect by promoting natural lighting and biodiversity within the living environment.

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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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