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Windcatcher Roofs and Organic Facades Utilizing Thatch and Metal Mesh in Residential Design

Windcatcher Roofs and Organic Facades Utilizing Thatch and Metal Mesh in Residential Design
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Incorporating a windcatcher and organic facade elements through thatch and metal mesh, this residential design achieves natural ventilation and privacy while responding to the climatic challenges of urban Dubai.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a windcatcher for enhanced natural ventilation.
02
Facades feature organic forms inspired by local topography.
03
Utilizes thatch for thermal insulation and traditional aesthetics.
04
Interior courtyard serves as a light well and cooling feature.
05
Metal mesh integrates structural support and privacy screening.

## Overview

Located in a dense urban area near the beaches of Dubai, the House of Future is designed to adapt to modern urban lifestyles while addressing sustainability and comfort. The architectural concept combines traditional principles with contemporary innovation, aiming to create an inviting and functional dwelling. The design focuses on enhancing the living experience while responding to the challenges posed by the local climate and context.

### Spatial Strategy and Design Elements

The building's spatial organization is characterized by the integration of public and private areas, with an inner courtyard serving as a pivotal element for natural light and ventilation. The ground floor accommodates shared spaces, including the living room and kitchen, which encourage social interaction. Private areas, such as bedrooms, are strategically positioned to enhance privacy, benefiting from cooling breezes channeled through a windcatcher located on the northwestern facade. The distinctive roofline features dynamic contours that mimic natural forms, allowing sunlight to filter through while maintaining occupant privacy.

### Materiality and Environmental Considerations

The selection of materials plays a crucial role in both the functionality and visual identity of the House of Future. Thatch is utilized for its insulation properties and traditional aesthetic, while metal mesh provides structural support and detailing. The plaster and ceramic tiles contribute to both durability and visual appeal, and a brick core ensures structural integrity and ventilation. Steel and concrete are also key materials, particularly in the roof design, enhancing overall stability. This thoughtful material palette reinforces the building’s environmental objectives by optimizing performance and aligning with local building traditions. The incorporation of natural ventilation strategies, along with efficient lighting design, minimizes dependence on artificial energy sources, promoting sustainable living practices.

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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Stair
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Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge

AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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Final registration deadline 18 September 2025
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Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 18 September 2025
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
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Early bird registration deadline 2 October 2025
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Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
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Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025
The Last 
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Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

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Final registration deadline 27 November 2025

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