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Windcatcher-Enhanced Residence Featuring Local Clay Bricks and Sustainable Materials

Author:
Murilo Amaral
Windcatcher-Enhanced Residence Featuring Local Clay Bricks and Sustainable Materials

Project in-detail

Harnessing natural airflow through a strategically designed windcatcher and incorporating locally sourced clay bricks, this residence effectively responds to Dubai's climate while providing a comfortable living space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a traditional windcatcher to enhance natural ventilation.
02
Incorporates clay bricks sourced from local suppliers for a lower environmental impact.
03
Features a green roof that reduces solar heat gain and promotes biodiversity.
04
Design includes large double-glazed windows for improved thermal performance.
05
Emphasizes outdoor living spaces that reflect local cultural practices.

### Overview
Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the project, known as "House of the Future," aims to integrate sustainable living practices within a culturally rich context. This design harmonizes traditional Emirati architectural elements with contemporary technologies to create a residence that supports the needs of modern occupants while reflecting local heritage.

### Spatial Planning and Layout
The architectural layout prioritizes both private and communal areas, facilitating a balance between personal privacy and family interaction. Key design components include expansive living spaces tailored for gatherings, multiple bedrooms that encourage intimacy while allowing for social connection, and outdoor patios seamlessly linked to the interior, promoting a fluid relationship between indoor and outdoor environments.

### Sustainable Design and Materiality
Sustainability is a cornerstone of the design, employing energy-efficient technologies and passive climate-responsive strategies. Notable features include a windcatcher tower that enhances natural ventilation by drawing in cool air and expelling warm air, significantly lessening reliance on mechanical cooling. The construction utilizes durable materials such as concrete for structural integrity, double-glazed glass for thermal performance, and clay bricks for aesthetic texture. Furthermore, photovoltaic panels are incorporated to provide renewable energy, ensuring an environmentally conscious approach throughout the design. The landscaping showcases native plants, further enhancing the ecological integration of the residence within its environment.

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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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