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Wind Towers and Mashrabiyas Create Comfortable Living Spaces with Local Stone and Wood

Authors:
Yuri Alogna, Valentina D'accardi
Wind Towers and Mashrabiyas Create Comfortable Living Spaces with Local Stone and Wood

Project in-detail

Utilizing wind towers and traditional mashrabiyas, the design incorporates local stone and sustainable wood to create a climate-responsive living space that enhances comfort and community engagement in an arid environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes wind towers for passive ventilation, enhancing indoor comfort without mechanical cooling.
02
Incorporates traditional mashrabiyas to provide privacy while facilitating airflow and natural lighting.
03
Integrates local stone and sustainably sourced wood to minimize environmental impact and enhance aesthetics.
04
Features a courtyard layout that promotes community interaction and regulates microclimate.
05
Adopts a flexible spatial configuration, allowing for adaptable living spaces to meet various user needs.

### Overview
Ṣādiqāt Ar-Rih is situated in a desert climate, where it offers a modern interpretation of traditional Arab architecture. The design intent focuses on environmental sustainability and passive cooling strategies, facilitating a bridge between contemporary building technology and cultural heritage.

### Spatial Strategy
The architectural layout features a series of interconnected buildings designed to promote functionality and aesthetic coherence. Central to this design are wind towers (barjeel), which capture and channel prevailing winds to cool interior spaces. This includes a "Chimney Effect" mechanism that enhances air circulation by allowing hot air to escape, thus minimizing reliance on mechanical cooling systems. The inclusion of multiple courtyards further supports this strategy by serving as communal gathering spaces and thermal regulators, effectively blending outdoor and indoor living environments. Additionally, traditional mashrabiyas are incorporated to provide shade and privacy while allowing for natural airflow and enhanced light dynamics within the interiors.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The project employs a carefully selected combination of contemporary and traditional materials. Structural components predominantly utilize concrete for its durability and thermal mass, while wood features prominently in mashrabiyas and interior finishes to add warmth and texture. Double-glazed glass is integrated into windows to enhance insulation, and ceramic tiles reflect local craft traditions, adding a decorative yet functional aspect to the flooring. Natural stone is used in steps and outdoor areas, linking the structure to its environmental context.

Energy-efficient measures include rooftop photovoltaic panels that align with sustainable practices, ensuring reduced energy consumption. The architectural narrative emphasizes a respect for local heritage, allowing residents to engage with their cultural roots while benefiting from modern conveniences. Adaptable living spaces, with features like movable walls, enable flexibility to respond to varying user needs.

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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

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