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Wool Bricks and Hydro Ceramics Forming Sustainable Living Spaces in a Modern Courtyard Design

Authors:
Mohd Hafiz Bin Mohd Fazillah , Ahmad Afiq Bin Ahmad , Ahmad Khairul Syahmi Bin Ahmad Latfi
Wool Bricks and Hydro Ceramics Forming Sustainable Living Spaces in a Modern Courtyard Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing wool bricks and hydro ceramics, the design integrates traditional elements with modern sustainability in a courtyard layout, fostering community living while adapting to Dubai's climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes wool bricks for enhanced thermal insulation and reduced environmental impact.
02
Incorporates hydro ceramics to regulate indoor temperatures naturally.
03
Features traditional wind catchers for efficient passive cooling.
04
Adopts a central courtyard layout to encourage community interactions and ventilation.
05
Integrates grey water recycling systems to minimize water waste in the household.

### Concept Overview
Located in Dubai, the House of the Future investigates the integration of traditional Middle Eastern architectural elements with contemporary sustainable practices. The design seeks to honor the region's rich heritage while proposing innovative solutions for modern living. Emphasizing community living, environmental stewardship, and energy efficiency, it reflects a forward-thinking approach to residential architecture.

### Spatial Strategy and Climatic Adaptation
The layout of the building is organized around a central courtyard, facilitating airflow and natural cooling, while also serving as a communal space for residents. This decision is deeply rooted in the concept of traditional courtyard houses, which are adept at creating cooler microclimates in arid environments. The incorporation of wind catchers, a traditional design element, enhances natural ventilation, contributing to thermal comfort within the home. Additionally, the design utilizes the heat stack effect to draw cooler air from underground, promoting temperature regulation throughout the interior spaces.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The material palette prioritizes sustainability and environmental impact, featuring wool bricks produced from natural fibers to enhance structural strength. Hydro ceramics are incorporated for their thermal regulation capabilities, while pressed aluminum is employed in wind catchers for effective air circulation. Interior finishes consist of timber and glass, creating a balance between warmth and modernity. The design includes grey water recycling systems to minimize water waste, alongside solar panels and water harvesters to promote energy self-sufficiency. Moreover, the overall construction adheres to principles of energy efficiency and responsible resource management.

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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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