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Wind Towers and Zellige Tiles in a Sustainable Residential Community

Author:
Azim Bin Abdul Aziz
Wind Towers and Zellige Tiles in a Sustainable Residential Community

Project in-detail

With wind towers enhancing natural ventilation and intricate zellige tiles providing cultural richness, the design facilitates sustainable living in a modern residential community.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates traditional wind tower design for passive cooling.
02
Utilizes handcrafted zellige tiles for cultural authenticity.
03
Features flexible living spaces that adapt to resident needs.
04
Incorporates rooftop gardens to enhance biodiversity.
05
Employs advanced water harvesting systems for irrigation.
The Zero Lot House of the Future is an architectural project situated in Dubai, designed to address contemporary urban living challenges through a sustainable and culturally responsive approach. This project aims to create a balanced environment that promotes energy efficiency, utilizes innovative materials, and integrates traditional architectural elements with modern practices.

The Zero Lot House serves as a residential structure that emphasizes communal living while ensuring privacy for individual occupants. It incorporates flexible living spaces that adapt to changing needs, encouraging interaction within vibrant communal areas such as central courtyards and rooftop gardens. The design integrates strategies for passive cooling and water conservation, aligning with principles of sustainability that are increasingly essential in urban architecture.

Innovative Design Approaches

One of the most defining characteristics of the Zero Lot House is its incorporation of traditional Arabic architectural elements, such as wind towers and *majlis*, which foster social interaction and cultural continuity. The wind towers enhance natural ventilation, allowing buildings to remain cool without relying solely on mechanical systems. This feature addresses a significant climatic challenge in the region and demonstrates a commitment to passive design strategies.

Additionally, the use of materials such as timber, zellige tiles, marble, concrete, and glass enhances both the aesthetic and functional requirements of the project. The combination of these materials not only respects local craftsmanship but also ensures durability and energy efficiency, reducing the overall carbon footprint of the structure. The architectural design aims to create a seamless indoor-outdoor connection through bi-fold gates and expansive glass facades that invite natural light and views of green spaces.

Adaptive Features and Sustainability

Key adaptive features of the Zero Lot House include retractable solar panels for renewable energy generation and water harvesting systems that collect rainwater for irrigation and other non-potable uses. These systems exemplify the project's focus on minimizing ecological impact while maximizing resource efficiency. The spatial organization allows for significant green areas that contribute to biodiversity and enhance the living experience for residents.

The Zero Lot House of the Future not only reflects a sophisticated understanding of contemporary architectural practices but also illustrates a commitment to preserving cultural heritage within the fast-paced urban context of Dubai. For more technical insights, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and detailed architectural designs, consider exploring the project's presentation to gain further understanding of its innovative design ideas and implementation.
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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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