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Wind Towers and Bright Straw Construction for Sustainable Family Living in Desert Oasis

Authors:
Farbod Emambakhsh Mehraz, Narges Samadimirzaee, Niousha Ghodratichalaresi
Wind Towers and Bright Straw Construction for Sustainable Family Living in Desert Oasis

Project in-detail

Employing bright straw and wind towers, the design integrates traditional Emirati elements with sustainable living, creating a family home that harmonizes with the desert environment while optimizing energy efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes bright straw as a primary insulation material to enhance thermal performance.
02
Incorporates wind towers to facilitate natural ventilation, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling.
03
Features a series of interconnected courtyards that promote privacy and outdoor engagement.
04
Employs a Majlis space designed for cultural gatherings, reflecting traditional Emirati values.
05
Integrates solar panels seamlessly into the roof design for energy efficiency.

# Architectural Report: Dubai Future House

## Overview
Located in Arabian Ranches, Dubai, the design intent of the Dubai Future House is to create a tranquil residential environment that harmonizes with the urban landscape. The project prioritizes blending contemporary architectural techniques with traditional Emirati cultural elements. This approach not only respects local heritage but also meets the practical living requirements in response to the climatic and social context of Dubai.

## Spatial Strategy and Functionality
The architectural layout features an innovative arrangement of four distinct courtyards, each tailored for specific functions ranging from communal gatherings to private retreats. This strategic use of space enhances privacy and fosters social interaction among residents.

- **Ground Floor Design**: The ground level includes a *Majlis*, expansive living areas, and personal quarters, all of which are oriented towards the courtyards to promote airflow and create a cooler microclimate, essential for comfort in the hot climate of Dubai.
- **First Floor Amenities**: The upper level includes a swimming pool adjacent to the bedrooms, allowing for unobstructed views of the central courtyard while also contributing to the visual and aesthetic richness of the living environment.

## Materiality and Sustainability
Material selection has been a critical focus, emphasizing local cultural relevance and sustainability.

1. **Bright Straw Material**: Chosen for its cultural significance and superior thermal performance, this material effectively minimizes heat transfer.
2. **Wood Elements**: The incorporation of wood reflects traditional Emirati architecture, providing both aesthetic warmth and comfort.
3. **Mesh Panels**: These façade elements regulate sunlight while ensuring privacy, balancing openness and enclosure.
4. **Solar Panels**: Positioned on the roof, these panels enhance the house’s sustainability by utilizing renewable energy sources.
5. **Glass Walls**: Applied in communal spaces, glass facilitates natural light and expansive views, further contributing to a comfortable interior climate.

The project also integrates thermal and environmental considerations through passive cooling mechanisms like wind towers, promoting natural ventilation and reducing reliance on mechanical systems. Comprehensive analysis of solar radiation and prevailing wind conditions informs the building's responsiveness to seasonal variations, enhancing its energy efficiency.

Distinctive features such as adaptability for future expansions, integration of cultural motifs, and thoughtful design of social spaces underscore the innovative approach of the Dubai Future House, positioning it as a forward-thinking residential model in Dubai.

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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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