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3D Printed Sand Blocks and Passive Cooling Strategies in Sustainable Desert Housing

Authors:
Sungwon Kim, Jonghyeok Shin, Jonghyeok Shin
3D Printed Sand Blocks and Passive Cooling Strategies in Sustainable Desert Housing

Project in-detail

Utilizing 3D printed sand blocks and passive cooling techniques, the design creates an energy-efficient and adaptable living space within the demanding climate of the UAE.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes 3D printed sand blocks made from local materials for enhanced thermal performance.
02
Incorporates wind towers to facilitate natural ventilation and cooling throughout the structure.
03
Features a central courtyard that serves as a passive cooling element and communal gathering space.
04
Designed for future expandability, allowing adaptation to changing family needs.
05
Integrates biophilic elements with native vegetation to create a sustainable outdoor environment.

### Project Overview
Located in the United Arab Emirates, this project focuses on reinterpreting traditional Middle Eastern housing while addressing the region's climatic challenges. By integrating sustainable practices derived from historical architectural solutions with modern construction techniques, the design prioritizes energy efficiency and ecological responsibility.

### Spatial Strategy and Interior Layout
The architectural composition features a series of interlocking volumes designed to maximize shading and minimize solar gain, effectively responding to the region's intense heat. Central to the layout is an open courtyard that facilitates indoor-outdoor interaction, enhancing the living environment. The first floor accommodates communal spaces, including the living room and traditional majlis, while the second floor offers private areas such as bedrooms and a home office, allowing for future adaptability in response to changing family needs.

### Materiality and Construction Techniques
The project's material palette reflects a blend of traditional and contemporary practices. 3D printed sand blocks, made from local sand mixed with resin, are employed for walls to provide structural strength and insulation. Additional elements include precast concrete panels for rapid construction and specially designed roof blocks that promote effective water circulation for temperature regulation. Notably, the use of off-site construction techniques reduces carbon emissions during the assembly process, aligning with the project's sustainability objectives. These materials and methods collectively support an environmentally conscious approach to architecture in desert conditions.

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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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