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Windcatchers and High Reflectivity Plaster in a Sustainable Residential Design

Author:
Diána fatime Lekicsné krankovits
Windcatchers and High Reflectivity Plaster in a Sustainable Residential Design

Project in-detail

Featuring windcatchers for natural ventilation and high reflectivity plaster for thermal efficiency, the design exemplifies a sustainable approach to modern living in a residential setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates traditional windcatchers for passive cooling in a modern context.
02
Utilizes high reflectivity MANTI plaster to enhance energy efficiency.
03
Employs cold-bent steel profiles to minimize material use while maximizing strength.
04
Integrates a rainwater harvesting system tailored to the local climate.
05
Features a flexible interior design that adapts to changing family needs.

### Overview

The House of the Future, located in Dubai, presents a contemporary residential design that prioritizes sustainability and energy efficiency, integrating modern technologies with ecological principles. Situated within a context of arid climate, the design reinterprets traditional architectural elements while addressing contemporary environmental challenges. The project aims to create a harmonious living environment that minimizes energy consumption and maximizes the use of renewable resources.

### Spatial Organization and Functionality

The layout features a thoughtfully organized floor plan across two levels, spanning approximately 378.98 m². The ground floor encompasses various functional spaces including living areas, a kitchen, and utility rooms, each optimized for natural light and airflow. An outdoor terrace provides private green spaces, enhancing the connection to the natural environment. The first floor is dedicated to bedrooms, strategically positioned to offer privacy and ample sunlight through carefully placed windows and balconies. The spatial organization aims to foster a comfortable living experience while maintaining a focus on environmental performance.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The material palette contributes significantly to the structural integrity and ecological sustainability of the building. Thin-walled cold-bent steel profiles are employed for wall panels and trusses, ensuring robust support while minimizing material usage. High reflectivity MANTI plaster enhances thermal performance, complemented by fiber cement boards and polystyrol foam concrete filling for insulation. Rock wool insulation is also utilized to improve thermal and acoustic comfort within the residence.

Innovative sustainability strategies are integral to the design, including integrated photovoltaic systems that harness solar energy, water management practices such as rainwater harvesting, and passive cooling techniques utilizing windcatchers to facilitate natural ventilation. The design incorporates traditional architectural elements alongside modern advancements, allowing for adaptability in internal spaces to accommodate evolving family needs over time.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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