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Wind Towers and Natural Ventilation in a Sustainable Residence with Local Materials

Authors:
Mohammad Ali Ansari, Shahd Ghamdan Ali Al Sadeh
Wind Towers and Natural Ventilation in a Sustainable Residence with Local Materials

Project in-detail

Utilizing local Areesha wood and innovative wind towers for natural ventilation, this residence exemplifies efficient design in a sustainable framework, promoting comfort and connection to the environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes local Areesha wood to reflect regional craftsmanship and sustainability.
02
Incorporates wind towers for natural ventilation, minimizing energy use.
03
Features a flexible, H-shaped layout that promotes indoor-outdoor interaction.
04
Employs sand dune shading devices to regulate sunlight and enhance privacy.
05
Integrates recycled aluminum elements for a low-impact construction approach.

## Overview

The Reflection House is an architectural design situated within a specific environmental context, prioritizing sustainability alongside cultural preservation. The design integrates modern techniques with elements of vernacular architecture to foster an appropriate connection to local traditions and environmental conditions. It incorporates an H-shaped massing, which cultivates intimate living spaces and creates semi-courtyards aimed at enhancing natural light and airflow.

### Architectural Composition and Spatial Strategy

The layout comprises two primary masses linked by an elevated section featuring traditional wind tower structures known as *barjeel*. This configuration facilitates natural ventilation, optimizing indoor comfort by harnessing prevailing breezes. The sliding panels within the interior allow for flexible spatial organization, enabling residents to adjust the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly. This adaptability supports a lifestyle that emphasizes a continuous interaction with nature and encourages social engagement.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The choice of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability and aesthetic integrity. Key materials include:

- **Recycled Aluminum** for the *barjeel* and shading devices, promoting resource efficiency.
- **Areesha Wood**, a local material that enriches the structure and interior with natural textures.
- **Concrete**, utilized extensively for its durability and structural capabilities.
- **Sand Dune Shading Devices**, designed to regulate sunlight while referencing the surrounding landscape.

These materials, combined with passive design strategies such as wind catchers and substantial natural ventilation, significantly reduce reliance on mechanical cooling systems, demonstrating a proactive approach to energy efficiency and 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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