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Windcatchers and Natural Cooling: A Sustainable Residence Featuring Modular Concrete and Wood Construction

Authors:
Bahaaeldin Semida, Roua Mohamed Mohamed Ahmed Issa, Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed Mohamadin
Windcatchers and Natural Cooling: A Sustainable Residence Featuring Modular Concrete and Wood Construction

Project in-detail

With an emphasis on windcatchers and passive cooling systems, the residence incorporates modular concrete and wooden components to create a flexible living space that is well-suited for a hot climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes windcatchers for natural ventilation, enhancing indoor air quality.
02
Incorporates a geothermal cooling system leveraging locally sourced water.
03
Features modular construction allowing for adaptable living spaces.
04
Employs double walls for superior thermal insulation in a warm climate.
05
Integrates solar panels to promote energy self-sufficiency.

# Analytical Report on the Al-Dar House of the Future

## Overview
Located in a region characterized by hot and humid climates, the Al-Dar House of the Future addresses the pressing need for sustainable residential solutions. The design employs a comprehensive strategy that integrates passive and automated technologies aimed at optimizing living conditions while minimizing resource consumption. This villa serves as a model for future residential developments, focusing on environmental efficiency and modern comfort.

## Spatial Strategy
The architectural layout emphasizes natural ventilation and daylighting, which are critical for maintaining indoor air quality and comfort. Key features include double walls that enhance thermal insulation, innovative ventilation systems utilizing traditional malqafs to adapt to climatic conditions, and two inner courtyards that facilitate air circulation and community interaction. The strategic placement of spaces allows for a functional flow, accommodating living areas, bedrooms, and service zones while remaining adaptable to potential future needs.

## Materiality and Sustainability
The material selection for the Al-Dar House reflects a commitment to both performance and aesthetic appeal. Structural components utilize concrete for durability, while wooden louvers, strategically replaced with precast concrete slabs, provide shading and visual warmth. The design incorporates substantial glazing to optimize natural light and interior-exterior connections. Sustainable technologies are integrated, including solar panels for renewable energy generation and geothermal systems for effective climate control. Additionally, aluminum elements contribute to a lightweight structure, while hemp mesh materials enhance the villa's environmental management systems. This careful consideration of materiality underscores the dual objective of sustainability and livability.

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

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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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