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A Modular Shelter System Designed for Extreme Desert Climates

Authors:
Petr Preininger, Kristýna Smržová, Michael Gabriel
A Modular Shelter System Designed for Extreme Desert Climates
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Constructed from prefabricated concrete and designed with solar panels for energy efficiency, this modular shelter adapts to arid environments, providing a self-sufficient living space for desert inhabitants.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular cubes allow for flexible reconfiguration based on occupant needs.
02
Integrated solar panels provide self-sufficient energy for essential utilities.
03
Design emphasizes passive ventilation to minimize heating and cooling needs.
04
Durable prefabricated concrete enhances longevity in harsh desert conditions.
05
Cocoon-shaped central space fosters community interaction while ensuring privacy.

The project Desert Oddity is an conceptual proposal aimed at creating modular shelters suited for desert environments. Designed to function in remote and arid locations, the initiative focuses on integrating sustainable practices with modern architectural elements. The project emphasizes durability, energy efficiency, and adaptability, addressing the specific needs of inhabitants in extreme climates while facilitating a harmonious relationship with the surrounding landscape.

Modular Cube System

Central to the project is a series of modular cubes constructed primarily from prefabricated concrete. This material choice allows for quick assembly and significant durability, essential for withstanding harsh desert conditions. Each modular cube is designed as a self-sufficient unit equipped with essential utilities such as solar panels for energy generation and water collection systems. The flexible arrangement of the cubes permits users to customize layouts according to individual preferences and requirements. This approach not only supports various social interactions but also promotes privacy when needed.

The architectural design incorporates wooden slats that serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. These slats provide shading from the intense desert sun, contributing to passive climate control while enhancing the visual character of the structure. By utilizing natural ventilation alongside modern energy technologies, the design prioritizes occupant comfort and functionality.

Adaptive Gathering Space

The project also features a central gathering space characterized by a cocoon-like structure, designed to foster communal interaction among residents. Its spiral interior promotes a smooth flow between functional areas, ensuring ease of movement from kitchen to lounge and recreational areas. This sustained interaction enhances the sense of community while allowing for personal retreats within the unit.

Advanced climate control techniques ensure comfortable living conditions without over-reliance on artificial systems. The use of skylights and openings enables natural daylight to penetrate the interiors, creating a connection to the outdoor environment while maintaining temperature regulation.

Sustainability and Mobility

The Desert Oddity project distinguishes itself through its focus on sustainability and mobility. The ability to reconfigure and relocate modular units offers significant advantages for adapting to varying needs and seasonal changes. By emphasizing environmentally conscious practices, the design minimizes its ecological footprint while creating functional living spaces. The arrangement of the modular cubes allows for a balance between shared experiences and personal areas, making it suitable for a diverse range of occupants, from transient visitors to longer-term residents.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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