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Windcatchers and Recycled Palm Forms in a Sustainable Family Retreat

Authors:
Maha Anber, Mostafa Magdy Mohamed Abdelaleem Elsayed Afifi, Abualhassan Muhamed Abualhassan Muhamed, Hesham Abdelwahab Mohamed Ibrahim, Omar Elshahawi Elshahawi Abdelmajeed
Windcatchers and Recycled Palm Forms in a Sustainable Family Retreat

Project in-detail

Utilizing windcatchers for natural ventilation and recycled palm forms for structural elements, the design creates a sustainable environment that fosters family connection and community within a mini hotel setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes windcatchers for enhanced natural ventilation throughout the structure.
02
Incorporates recycled palm forms as primary structural elements to promote sustainability.
03
Features a terraced layout that optimizes outdoor space for community interaction.
04
Employs green wall systems to improve air quality and increase biodiversity.
05
Integrates flexible spaces that allow for personalized family use and adaptation over time.

**Location and Intent**
The Family Oasis project is a mini hotel situated in Dubai, a city known for its distinct blend of urban and desert environments. The design emphasizes eco-friendly living while honoring Emirati cultural heritage. Central to the concept is the notion of family unity, with an architectural approach aiming to create a space that encourages togetherness and reflects local traditions.

**Cultural and Spatial Strategy**
The design integrates elements inspired by traditional Emirati architecture, such as the **Majlis** and tent structures, while utilizing contemporary techniques to enhance functionality. The layered structure features varied heights and cantilevers that promote natural shading and outdoor connections. An emphasis on landscaped gardens with native plants invites nature into the urban fabric, facilitating a seamless interaction between interior and exterior spaces. Public areas, private quarters, and adaptable activity spaces ensure a balanced distribution that caters to both communal and individual needs.

**Sustainability and Materiality**
Sustainable practices are woven into the project's material selections, which include durable concrete, recyclable steel, and locally sourced recycled palm forms. Energy-efficient components such as solar glass and green wall systems contribute to the building's ecological performance. Passive solar strategies, including wind catchers and green roofs, are employed to enhance natural ventilation and mitigate heat, aligning the design with the climatic challenges of the region. This architectural approach not only fosters aesthetic value but also demonstrates a dedication to responsible development in the context of modern urban living.

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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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