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Woven Palm Fronds and Natural Ventilation in A Sustainable Family Dwelling

Authors:
Mehdi Gharibi, Shima Kheyri
Woven Palm Fronds and Natural Ventilation in A Sustainable Family Dwelling

Project in-detail

Combining woven palm fronds for shading and a falaj water system, this sustainable family dwelling offers natural ventilation and efficient resource management in a modern residential setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes traditional wind catchers for passive cooling and air circulation.
02
Incorporates a falaj water system to enhance sustainability and efficient water management.
03
Features woven palm fronds as a primary material for shading structures.
04
Design includes family pods that optimize space and function for communal living.
05
Employs prefabricated panels to streamline construction and reduce environmental impact.

## Architectural Design Report: ÀL-HOME Project

### Overview
ÀL-HOME is a residential design situated in Dubai, combining contemporary living with traditional design influences and sustainable practices. The project focuses on modularity and adaptability, addressing both functional requirements and aesthetic values while responding to the regional climate through innovative technological solutions. The intent is to create a dwelling that serves as a backdrop for familial growth and interaction, enhancing the overall living experience.

### Spatial Strategy
The spatial organization of ÀL-HOME is concentrated across multiple levels, designed to promote connectivity and fluidity among living spaces. The ground floor accommodates a lobby, main entrance, and distinct functional pods, which include bathrooms, laundry, and storage areas, leading to a shared living and dining environment. Central to this layout is an outdoor courtyard encircled by greenery, facilitating natural ventilation and social interactions. On the upper levels, bedrooms and additional living areas provide privacy while maintaining access to communal spaces, allowing for a balance of individual retreat and community engagement.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The selection of materials within ÀL-HOME reflects an emphasis on durability and environmental responsibility. Woven palm fronds are utilized in shading structures to regulate indoor temperatures by reducing direct sunlight exposure. Prefabricated panels, crafted to meet sustainability standards, enhance the construction process while aligning with a “Cradle to Cradle” philosophy. Additionally, concrete and steel are employed to provide structural integrity necessary for resilience in Dubai's climate.

Incorporating traditional elements, such as the *falaj* irrigation system, the design promotes water conservation while adapting to modern needs. Wind catchers are integrated to utilize natural breezes for passive cooling, lessening reliance on mechanical systems. Sustainable features also include solar panels for energy efficiency and water recycling systems to manage resources effectively in Dubai's arid environment.

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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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