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Windcatcher-Enhanced Residence Featuring Sustainable Fiberglass and Palm Wood Elements

Author:
Mahmoud El-awad
Windcatcher-Enhanced Residence Featuring Sustainable Fiberglass and Palm Wood Elements

Project in-detail

Incorporating traditional windcatchers and sustainable palm wood, the residence is designed to enhance natural ventilation and foster community interactions in a modern family living setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes 3D printed concrete for intricate structural elements.
02
Incorporates traditional windcatchers for enhanced natural ventilation.
03
Features a U-shaped layout promoting communal outdoor spaces.
04
Employs palm wood for both aesthetics and sustainability.
05
Integrates translucent polycarbonate panels to maximize natural light.

### Project Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, the architectural design incorporates elements of cultural heritage and environmental sustainability within a three-storey structure. The project emphasizes community, family life, and a connection to nature, grounded in Emirati cultural values while accommodating contemporary requirements for adaptability and ecological responsibility.

### Spatial and Cultural Strategy

The design draws inspiration from the traditions of pearl diving, a significant aspect of Emirati history. It aims to create a connection between architecture, social interaction, and the natural environment. The incorporation of organic forms, reminiscent of oyster shells, facilitates multifunctional spaces that prioritize family gatherings. Features such as *mashrabiyas* and courtyards are integrated to enhance social connectivity while ensuring privacy for residents. Ample green areas, including gardens and outdoor spaces, reinforce the relationship between living spaces and the surrounding landscape.

### Material and Sustainability Integration

The project employs a careful selection of materials designed for both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality. 3D-printed concrete forms the primary structural elements, allowing for intricate design while optimizing construction efficiency. Palm trees are utilized not only for structural support but also contribute to the visual character. Additionally, fiberglass reinforced plastic is used in the façades for durability, and polycarbonate panels provide natural light in divisions such as the staircase.

Sustainability is a core consideration, exemplified by features such as rainwater catchment systems and cross-ventilation strategies that reduce reliance on mechanical climate control. Natural daylighting is maximized throughout the building to lower energy consumption. Recyclable materials like clay and palm components solidify the environmental commitment of the design, while windcatchers are incorporated for traditional ventilation, blending historical practices with contemporary aesthetics.

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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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