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Windcatcher Design With Low Carbon Concrete and Natural Limestone for Sustainable Living

Author:
Igor Ivanec
Windcatcher Design With Low Carbon Concrete and Natural Limestone for Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Incorporating windcatchers and utilizing low carbon concrete alongside natural limestone, the design achieves a self-sufficient residence tailored for sustainable living in desert climates.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes windcatchers for natural ventilation and cooling.
02
Incorporates low carbon concrete to reduce environmental impact.
03
Features a panelized construction method for efficiency and waste reduction.
04
Integrates rainwater collection systems for enhanced water sustainability.
05
Employs traditional mashrabiya patterns for privacy while allowing light.

## Project Overview

Located in a desert climate, the Self-Sufficient House design integrates sustainable living principles with the cultural heritage of Arabic architecture. This project aims to create an eco-friendly residential environment through the use of innovative technologies and locally sourced materials. It balances functional efficiency with aesthetic considerations, presenting a solution for modern residential needs that is both livable and environmentally conscious.

### Spatial Organization and Functionality

The layout of the Self-Sufficient House is strategically planned to optimize natural light and ventilation while ensuring energy efficiency. The ground floor contains communal living spaces, the kitchen, and service areas, facilitating direct access to outdoor environments. The first floor is dedicated to private areas, including bedrooms and study spaces, providing seclusion. The basement accommodates technical rooms and storage, maintaining a discreet profile. This arrangement enhances interaction among occupants while preserving personal privacy as needed, adapting to evolving family dynamics.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Sustainable material choices play a critical role in the design, contributing to both structural integrity and environmental goals. Low carbon concrete, limestone, MDF, timber, and glass are utilized, each chosen for its minimal carbon footprint and compatibility with the local climate. The building employs advanced water recycling systems and rainwater harvesting, allowing for significant self-sufficiency in water supply. Additionally, a panelized construction method is used to streamline assembly and minimize waste, underscoring the project’s commitment to sustainability without sacrificing aesthetic appeal.

This thoughtful approach to materiality and spatial organization reflects a deep respect for the local context while addressing contemporary challenges in energy and resource management.

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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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