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Windcatchers and Polymer Harmony in Sustainable Community Living

Author:
Thanushka Nimalanandani Wijayapala
Windcatchers and Polymer Harmony in Sustainable Community Living

Project in-detail

Employing polymer materials and climate-responsive windcatchers, the design creates a flexible and sustainable community environment that enhances family living through integrated green spaces and communal areas.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes polymer materials to enhance insulation and durability.
02
Incorporates windcatchers for natural ventilation throughout the community.
03
Features modular homes for customizable family living.
04
Includes communal gardens designed for local agricultural practices.
05
Employs native landscaping to promote biodiversity and reduce maintenance.

## Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, the urban eco-village project is designed to serve as both a residential area and a community hub, aiming to enhance the quality of life for modern Emirati families. The project emphasizes interaction and connectivity among residents while addressing contemporary urban challenges through a focus on sustainable living and cultural heritage. This initiative seeks to provide a forward-thinking environment that promotes communal engagement and an environmentally responsible lifestyle.

## Layout and Spatial Organization

The design comprises several interconnected neighborhoods, each featuring homes tailored to accommodate modern family sizes. Central to the layout is the incorporation of shared communal spaces, including gardens for community agriculture and recreation, dedicated playgrounds for children, and facilities that foster social interaction, such as gathering spaces. The arrangement of homes in a layered formation ensures both privacy and security while allowing easy access to communal areas through interconnected walkways and green spaces.

## Materiality and Sustainable Design

A diverse selection of materials has been employed to meet the project's sustainability objectives. Key components include polymer base materials for wall construction, which provide thermal insulation and durability; wood details for functional aesthetics; and Solid Polymer Sheets (SPS) that enhance insulation and structural efficiency. Large expanses of glass facilitate natural light and create visual connections between indoor and outdoor environments. The landscaping incorporates native flora to promote biodiversity and establish a harmonious relationship with the local ecosystem. Additionally, the design incorporates renewable energy solutions and advanced water recycling systems, aligning with the project’s goals of self-sustainability and minimal environmental impact. Features such as high ceilings and shaded outdoor areas are intentionally designed to mitigate heat exposure, fostering comfortable living conditions in the region's climate.

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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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