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Wind Towers and Natural Clay Walls in a Sustainable Residential Design

Authors:
Raquel Santos, Genilson Abreu, Edigio Da Fonseca
Wind Towers and Natural Clay Walls in a Sustainable Residential Design

Project in-detail

Leveraging traditional wind towers and natural clay walls, this sustainable residence integrates advanced ventilation and energy-efficient systems to create an environmentally responsive home.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates traditional wind towers for natural ventilation.
02
Utilizes natural clay walls for thermal regulation and insulation.
03
Features a rainwater collection system for enhanced sustainability.
04
Integrates solar panels on wind towers for renewable energy generation.
05
Emphasizes community interaction with open and flexible living spaces.

## Overview

Located in Dubai, "The House of the Future" integrates traditional architectural elements with contemporary sustainable practices. The design reflects a commitment to self-sustainability and environmental integration, drawing on the region's rich cultural heritage. The intent is to create a residence that contributes to the dialogue surrounding future residential architecture through environmental harmony and resource efficiency.

## Core Concept

The project centers around the principles of elasticity in time, space, and materials, emphasizing the interdependence with nature. Fundamental elements such as earth, water, vegetation, wind, and rain are woven into the design, promoting a self-sufficient living environment. The design also incorporates traditional wind towers, reinterpreted to enhance functionality and meet modern sustainability benchmarks.

### Spatial Configuration

The architectural layout is purposefully designed to facilitate social interactions and private living areas. The ground floor includes communal spaces like the living and dining areas, characterized by expansive openings that foster a connection with the outdoor environment. The first floor provides private accommodations, with strategically positioned windows enhancing natural light and ventilation for comfort.

### Sustainable Strategies

Sustainability is a core focus of the design, featuring multiple strategies such as natural ventilation through wind towers to enhance air exchange, and an integrated rainwater collection system that supports self-sufficiency in water management. Additionally, solar panels are incorporated to generate renewable energy, minimizing dependence on conventional energy sources. The adoption of these technologies illustrates a forward-thinking approach to resource management within a residential setting.

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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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