Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Windcatchers and Adobe Construction Enhancing Natural Ventilation in a Desert Residence

Authors:
Javaneh Niazibanafshehdaragh, Shafiehsadat Mirshafiee, Melika Beinaghi
Windcatchers and Adobe Construction Enhancing Natural Ventilation in a Desert Residence

Project in-detail

Employing traditional windcatchers and adobe materials to achieve effective natural ventilation, the residence seamlessly integrates local architectural heritage with modern living needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Traditional windcatchers channel cooling breezes throughout the home.
02
Adobe construction enhances thermal mass and energy efficiency.
03
Natural light is maximized through strategically placed glass openings.
04
The layout promotes a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living.
05
Local ceramic tiles provide both aesthetic value and functional benefits.

### Concept Overview

Located in the Yazd region of Iran, the project "Water and the Mirror" explores the integration of cultural heritage within contemporary living spaces. By reinterpreting traditional architectural elements, such as wind catchers (badgirs), the design aims to maintain the essence of historical practices while meeting the practical needs of modern lifestyles. Central to the design is the relationship between water, light, and spatial organization, which informs both functional and aesthetic considerations in addressing the local climate's challenges.

### Spatial Organization and Interaction

The layout features a deliberate transition from communal to private areas, enhancing social interaction in shared spaces like the kitchen and living room while preserving intimacy in personal zones such as the bedrooms. This open-plan design fosters a sense of community while catering to contemporary living requirements. Strategic openings allow for the flow of natural light, resulting in an engaging interplay between interior and exterior environments that invites the landscape into the living areas.

### Material Selection and Environmental Considerations

Materiality is a critical aspect of the design, with choices reflecting both tradition and modern sensibilities. Adobe bricks are used for thermal regulation, while large glass windows facilitate ample daylight, enhancing the connection to the outdoors. The incorporation of wood in furniture and door frames adds warmth, while locally crafted tiles contribute to thermal comfort and visual appeal. The project emphasizes sustainability through passive cooling strategies, ensuring the dwelling remains livable within the context of the region's extreme climate while retaining a narrative that honors Yazd's architectural heritage.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy