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Windcatcher Design Incorporating Reinforced Concrete and Perforated Panels for Enhanced Natural Cooling

Author:
William Waytton
Windcatcher Design Incorporating Reinforced Concrete and Perforated Panels for Enhanced Natural Cooling

Project in-detail

Employing traditional windcatchers and reinforced concrete alongside perforated panels, this design effectively enhances natural ventilation while serving as a contemporary family residence.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes traditional windcatchers to enhance natural air circulation.
02
Incorporates reinforced concrete for structural integrity in coastal conditions.
03
Features perforated panels that provide shading while maintaining airflow.
04
Adaptable interior spaces designed for evolving family needs.
05
Employs a central courtyard to optimize light and privacy.

### Project Overview

Located in a coastal environment, this design draws on traditional Middle Eastern architecture while integrating contemporary approaches to functionality and sustainability. The intent is to create resilient living spaces that respect local cultural heritage and climatic considerations, capturing the essence of the region’s architectural identity through modern innovations.

### Cultural Integration and Environmental Considerations

The project prominently features a wind tower, or **barjeel**, which serves both a historical reference and a practical role in natural ventilation. This design element demonstrates a commitment to climate-responsive architecture while facilitating passive cooling strategies. Sustainability serves as a primary framework, with wind catchers and solar panels employed to enhance energy efficiency and reduce reliance on artificial cooling systems. The architectural strategy emphasizes the harmonious coexistence of cultural heritage and modern needs.

### Spatial Configuration and Materiality

Organization around a central courtyard fosters natural light and promotes air circulation, encouraging social interaction while addressing privacy concerns typical in traditional layouts. The room orientations are carefully considered to optimize views and mitigate direct sunlight exposure, enhancing indoor comfort.

Material selection includes reinforced concrete for its durability and thermal mass, extensive glazing to promote natural light and establish a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, and steel for structural integrity. The façade integrates perforated panels that provide shading, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal through a dynamic interplay of solid and void. Additionally, landscaping is designed to support communal living, with seating and water features incorporated to facilitate social engagement among residents.

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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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