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Windcatcher Design with Locally Sourced Stone and Sustainable Insulation for Contemporary Living

Author:
Robert Stewart Morrison
Windcatcher Design with Locally Sourced Stone and Sustainable Insulation for Contemporary Living

Project in-detail

Incorporating a windcatcher for passive cooling and utilizing locally sourced stone and natural insulation, the residence exemplifies modern living while respecting traditional Emirati architectural principles.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a traditional windcatcher to enhance passive cooling.
02
Features locally sourced stone cladding, promoting regional identity.
03
Utilizes natural fiber insulation for improved thermal performance.
04
Includes flexible indoor-outdoor living spaces designed for family engagement.
05
Integrates sustainable water management systems for landscaping.

## Project Overview

This architectural design integrates contemporary technology with traditional Emirati principles, reflecting a commitment to cultural relevance and sustainability. The approach emphasizes climatic adaptation, drawing on local architectural vernacular concepts such as the courtyard house and wind catcher.

### Spatial Organization

The layout is crafted to enhance functionality and privacy across various spaces. The ground floor features a welcoming entrance that transitions seamlessly into communal areas, including living and dining spaces that connect with outdoor dining options and an integrated outdoor kitchen, reflecting the importance of alfresco dining in Emirati culture. Internal courtyards enhance natural ventilation and daylight, improving overall living comfort. The first floor accommodates private quarters, with master and family bedrooms equipped with en-suite facilities, as well as screened terraces that promote outdoor activities while facilitating natural cooling.

### Materiality and Sustainability

A range of materials is selected for their aesthetic and sustainable properties. Locally sourced stone serves as the exterior cladding, resonating with the regional context while supporting local economies. Natural fiber insulation improves thermal efficiency, while reflective roofs minimize solar exposure and enhance energy performance. Performance glazing maximizes natural light and thermal comfort. A solar PV array harnesses renewable energy, contributing to the building's operational sustainability. Water management systems utilize recycled water for landscaping, reinforcing the environmental strategy and aligning with drought-resistant practices.

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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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