Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Wind Towers and Mudbrick Integration in Climate-Responsive Housing

Authors:
Fengyi Wang, Zi Shan Lim
Wind Towers and Mudbrick Integration in Climate-Responsive Housing

Project in-detail

Incorporating wind towers for natural ventilation and crafted from sustainable mudbrick, this residence offers a climate-responsive solution that enhances community living and environmental sensitivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates wind towers to enhance natural ventilation throughout the home.
02
Utilizes locally sourced mudbrick for sustainable thermal mass and insulation.
03
Features integrated landscaping that supports local biodiversity and aesthetic continuity.
04
Design includes adaptable spaces that can evolve with occupants' changing needs.
05
Central courtyard fosters community interaction while connecting indoor and outdoor environments.

## Project Overview

The Wāha Series presents an architectural approach that redefines residential living by considering homes as integrated environmental systems rather than isolated structures. Located in a diverse climatic region, the design emphasizes user comfort and sustainable practices, merging living spaces with their surrounding context. The intent is to create a responsive dwelling experience that aligns with the dynamic environmental conditions and social needs of its occupants.

### Spatial Configuration and Community Interaction

The layout of the Wāha Series consists of interconnected pavilions that balance privacy with communal engagement. Each pavilion is designed to facilitate natural circulation, enhancing interaction among family members while accommodating their individual needs. Central to this configuration is a courtyard that serves as a communal gathering space, linking the interior with outdoor environments. The architectonic forms incorporate sweeping curves and organic shapes, fostering visual connections and promoting movement throughout the residence.

### Materials and Passive Design Strategies

The project employs a thoughtfully selected palette of materials that prioritize both aesthetic qualities and sustainability. Mud bricks are utilized for their thermal mass, contributing to effective temperature regulation, while clay plaster provides a natural finish that enhances the home’s thermal performance. Wood is prominently featured in framing and furnishings, promoting warmth and sustainability. Glass is strategically incorporated to facilitate natural light and establish views of the landscape.

Additionally, the reliance on passive climate control techniques is evident in features such as wind towers, which optimize airflow, and automatically regulating shutter windows designed to adapt to varying climatic conditions. Integrated landscaping plays a crucial role in enhancing air quality and providing shade, thereby supporting local biodiversity while fostering community interaction through well-designed shared areas such as the family entrance and kitchen garden.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy