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Wind Towers and Natural Cooling Systems in a Sustainable Residential Design with Local Materials

Author:
Mubashir Tahir Tahir Ali
Wind Towers and Natural Cooling Systems in a Sustainable Residential Design with Local Materials

Project in-detail

Incorporating traditional wind towers for natural ventilation and utilizing locally sourced sandstone and rockwool insulation, this residential design promotes sustainability and energy efficiency in a comfortable living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates four wind towers for optimized natural ventilation.
02
Utilizes locally sourced sandstone for durability and thermal efficiency.
03
Features a water recycling system for sustainable resource management.
04
Integrates rockwool insulation to enhance energy efficiency.
05
Design reflects Emirati cultural heritage through traditional architectural elements.

### Overview

Located in Ras Al Khor, Dubai, the Barjeel House is a residential design that draws on the area's cultural heritage while incorporating modern architectural principles. Situated near the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary and Dubai Creek Tower, the project aims to create a living space that promotes sustainability and community engagement in a contemporary context.

### Spatial Organization

The Barjeel House features a thoughtful spatial layout that differentiates between private and public zones. Private areas, including bedrooms, are designed for tranquility and privacy, with views toward the adjacent Cedar Tower. In contrast, public spaces, such as the living room and kitchen, foster social interactions, encouraging communal activities. A dedicated service block discreetly contains utilities, thereby enhancing the overall functional organization while maintaining aesthetic coherence.

### Climate Adaptive Strategies

Central to the design are four wind towers, which serve as passive natural ventilation systems, effectively reducing the need for mechanical cooling. Their strategic placement harnesses prevailing winds, ensuring optimal airflow throughout the living spaces. The building layout also considers solar orientation, facilitating energy efficiency through the strategic positioning of windows and outdoor areas. Sustainable design is further supported through the use of locally sourced materials, such as sandstone, and features like solar panels and recycled water systems, collectively promoting an environmentally conscious living environment.

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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
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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