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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.
This architectural project exemplifies a modern interpretation of traditional Emirati design principles, integrating climate responsiveness and cultural heritage into its structure. Positioned within a context that respects local architectural language, the project serves as both a residence and a cultural focal point. The design emphasizes spatial organization, materiality, and sustainability, reflecting a commitment to creating functional living spaces while respecting environmental constraints.

The project features a central courtyard that encourages community interaction, providing a private outdoor space that facilitates ventilation and natural light. A significant aspect of the design is the inclusion of a wind catcher, a historic architectural element reinterpreted to enhance indoor climate control through passive cooling. This feature not only pays homage to local traditions but also integrates modern technology to optimize energy efficiency.

The overall layout is divided into distinct zones, ensuring functionality and privacy. The ground floor encompasses communal areas, including the living and dining spaces, seamlessly transitioning to the outdoors. The orientation of these spaces is carefully considered to maximize exposure to natural light while maintaining privacy from the street. The first floor houses private quarters, designed for comfort and equipped with en-suite facilities to accommodate contemporary family living.

Innovative approaches to material selection characterize this project. The exterior cladding incorporates locally sourced stone, promoting regional identity and supporting sustainable practices. Natural fiber insulation enhances thermal performance, reducing reliance on mechanical systems, while performance glazing optimizes daylighting without compromising energy efficiency. A solar photovoltaic array is integrated within the roof system, providing renewable energy and further emphasizing the project's sustainability goals.

The landscaping around the project incorporates native plant species, supporting local biodiversity and minimizing water consumption. This integration of landscape and architecture contributes to a cohesive site experience, creating a functional and inviting environment.

Unique design aspects include the fluid interaction between indoor and outdoor spaces, facilitated by strategically placed windows and terraces that blur the lines between built and natural environments. The project prioritizes flexibility, allowing for multiple uses of spaces, which aligns with the evolving needs of modern families.

For those interested in further understanding this architectural design, an exploration of the project's architectural plans, sections, and visual representations will provide deeper insights into the functional and aesthetic elements that define this residence. Investigating these architectural ideas will reveal the thoughtful interplay between tradition and contemporary living embedded within the project.
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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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