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Wind Towers and Earthy Facades in A Sustainable Desert Community

Authors:
Ahmad Aldimashki, Stefan Felix Ioanesi
Wind Towers and Earthy Facades in A Sustainable Desert Community

Project in-detail

Incorporating wind towers and locally-sourced clay facades, this sustainable dwelling effectively manages desert climates while fostering community interaction and environmental responsibility.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates traditional wind towers for natural ventilation.
02
Utilizes locally-sourced clay for enhanced thermal performance.
03
Features integrated greywater recycling to support water efficiency.
04
Integrates courtyards to create distinct microclimates within the structure.
05
Employs sustainable timber for all structural framing elements.

**Overview of Sahra Khadra**

The Sahra Khadra project is situated in a region marked by extreme weather and arid conditions, showcasing a contemporary approach to sustainable architecture within an urban context. The design merges modern and traditional architectural strategies, aiming to create a living environment that responds to its unique climatic challenges. Emphasizing sustainability, the project integrates various components, including innovative material choices and urban design techniques, to foster a community-centric atmosphere while minimizing ecological impact.

**Innovative Cooling Solutions**

The architectural layout incorporates wind towers and water features that serve practical and aesthetic purposes. Wind towers facilitate natural ventilation, enabling effective cross-breezes that help regulate internal temperatures, while water features enhance thermal comfort through evaporation. This dual approach not only improves energy efficiency but also enriches the visual and experiential qualities of the environment.

**Microclimatic Design Strategy**

The building's form is strategically segmented into courtyards, creating distinct microclimates that optimize daylight exposure and encourage communal interactions. This configuration fosters natural social dynamics, supporting a sense of community among residents. The internal layout merges private and communal spaces, promoting engagement through shared areas designed for social activities. Additionally, the integration of smart home features linked to a Building Management System allows for the monitoring of energy use and environmental conditions, enhancing the space’s functionality and livability.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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