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Wind Towers and Natural Stone Merge in a Sustainable Dwelling Designed for Desert Climates

Authors:
Emanuele Carlino, Giuseppe Frustieri
Wind Towers and Natural Stone Merge in a Sustainable Dwelling Designed for Desert Climates

Project in-detail

Designed with traditional wind towers and a façade of natural stone, this residence effectively harnesses passive cooling to create a comfortable living environment in a desert climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with traditional wind towers for passive ventilation.
02
Utilizes a natural stone façade to enhance thermal performance.
03
Features modular spatial organization for flexible living.
04
Integrates courtyards to promote indoor-outdoor connectivity.
05
Emphasizes sustainability by minimizing mechanical cooling needs.
The Barajeel House is a contemporary architectural project located in the United Arab Emirates that successfully integrates traditional design elements with modern architectural practices. It serves as a residential dwelling that emphasizes sustainability, climatic responsiveness, and cultural relevance. The design of the Barajeel House is focused on creating a living environment that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, drawing inspiration from the region's heritage while catering to current living standards.

The layout of the Barajeel House is modular, facilitating flexibility in its use while promoting openness and connectivity within the spaces. The design incorporates courtyards and terraces that foster interaction between the interior and exterior, allowing natural light and ventilation to permeate the spaces. These design strategies are critical in addressing the hot desert climate, as they enhance comfort while minimizing reliance on artificial cooling systems.

Unique Ventilation Features
A defining characteristic of the Barajeel House is the incorporation of traditional Barjeel wind towers, designed to capture and channel cooling breezes into the interior spaces. This method of passive ventilation reflects an understanding of local climate influences and the importance of natural airflow. The placement of these towers not only enhances indoor air quality but also contributes significantly to the building's energy efficiency. This aspect differentiates the Barajeel House from typical modern residential designs, as it emphasizes a sustainable approach rooted in historical architecture.

Material Choices and Aesthetic Integration
The Barajeel House employs a diverse range of materials, including reinforced concrete, natural stone, white plaster, wood, and glass. Each material has been chosen not only for its functional properties but also for its aesthetic contribution. The use of reinforced concrete provides structural stability and thermal mass, while natural stone and white plaster contribute to a minimalist and serene exterior. Large glass openings throughout the design facilitate a connection with the surrounding environment, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces.

This careful selection of materials also reflects a modern interpretation of traditional Arabic architecture, ensuring that the design resonates with its geographical context. The thoughtful interactions between these materials create an inviting environment that balances contemporary sensibilities with historical references.

In summary, the Barajeel House is an architectural project that represents the merging of heritage and innovation, showcasing a sophisticated understanding of climate-responsive design. It exemplifies how traditional elements can inform modern architectural ideas, resulting in a functional and visually coherent dwelling. To explore further details on the architectural plans, sections, and designs of the Barajeel House, interested readers are encouraged to delve into the project presentation for a comprehensive understanding of its architectural strategies and outcomes.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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