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Wind Towers and Sustainable Materials Create a Contemporary Retreat in the UAE

Authors:
Husna Adil Osman Elbashir, Malak Mohamedahmed Abdelrahim Mohamedahmed
Wind Towers and Sustainable Materials Create a Contemporary Retreat in the UAE

Project in-detail

Utilizing wind towers for natural ventilation and integrating locally sourced materials like date palm insulation, the design creates a sustainable residential space that fosters community interaction in a private retreat setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes traditional wind towers to enhance passive cooling throughout the residence.
02
Incorporates date palm fiber insulation for improved sustainability and local material usage.
03
Features flexible internal layouts to accommodate changing family dynamics.
04
Includes shared outdoor garden spaces designed to promote community interaction.
05
Employs a unique bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and ventilation.

## Overview

Located in a context that draws heavily from traditional Emirati architecture, the design emphasizes sustainability while accommodating modern living requirements. The intent is to create a residential environment that prioritizes environmental stewardship and cultural relevance, blending historical influences with contemporary functionalities.

## Spatial Strategy

The layout promotes a cohesive yet private neighborhood atmosphere, with dedicated entrances for each residence and communal external garden spaces. Setbacks are thoughtfully designed to enhance privacy and facilitate natural airflow, thereby reducing reliance on mechanical cooling systems. The architectural plan incorporates three levels: the ground floor includes living and kitchen areas alongside gardens that connect residents with nature; the first floor houses private quarters with individual amenities; and the basement features practical spaces designed for ease of access.

## Materiality and Sustainability

Innovative material selection plays a critical role in the project’s sustainability approach. Key materials include gypsum plasterboard, date palm fiber insulation, stone wool, expanded polystyrene for external walls, and recycled terakpak for decorative elements. These materials not only ensure thermal efficiency but also support local economic initiatives. Additionally, energy-efficient strategies such as a wind tower for natural ventilation and the installation of solar panels enhance the building's sustainability, aiming to significantly reduce its carbon footprint while providing a comfortable 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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