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Wind Towers and Natural Stone Create a Climate-Responsive Family Villa

Author:
Mohamed Mohamed Atia Zayed
Wind Towers and Natural Stone Create a Climate-Responsive Family Villa

Project in-detail

Incorporating wind towers for natural ventilation and using local stone, the villa exemplifies a blend of sustainable design with cultural heritage intended for family living in the United Arab Emirates.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates wind towers for passive cooling and natural ventilation.
02
Utilizes local stone for integration with the surrounding environment.
03
Features a dedicated Majlis space for cultural gatherings.
04
Open courtyard design enhances light and connectivity within the villa.
05
Strategically positioned glass panels optimize views while maintaining privacy.

### Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, the “House of the Future” is a private villa that synthesizes modern design with traditional Emirati architectural values. This project addresses contemporary needs such as privacy, sustainability, and environmental integration while reflecting local cultural dynamics and identity.

### Spatial Strategy and Privacy

The villa's design emphasizes the importance of privacy within an urban context, featuring strategically placed openings and internal courtyards. These elements create intimate spaces for family gatherings while maintaining a connection to the outdoor environment. The incorporation of traditional Majlis areas serves as dedicated spaces for communal interaction, reinforcing the significance of social connections in Emirati culture.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

A diverse material palette enhances both the aesthetic appeal and functional performance of the villa. Key materials include concrete for structural support, large glass panels for transparency and natural lighting, and natural stone surfaces that link the building to its landscape. The use of locally sourced and recyclable materials aligns with sustainable design principles, while the implementation of innovative features such as wind towers for natural ventilation minimizes reliance on mechanical cooling systems. This commitment to sustainability is further exemplified by solar panels and localized water management systems that support long-term environmental stewardship.

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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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