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Algal Filters and High-Content Concrete: A Sustainable Approach to Desert Community Building

Authors:
Saeed Sadegh Amini, Sirous Saadatgholi Mohammadi, Sahar Abdollah Salamat, Farzaneh Mojri, Osama Alsaab
Algal Filters and High-Content Concrete: A Sustainable Approach to Desert Community Building

Project in-detail

Constructed with algal filters and high-content concrete, the design creates a self-sufficient community environment that enhances air quality while addressing the unique challenges of a desert landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using high-content concrete for enhanced durability and thermal performance.
02
Incorporates algal filters for natural air purification and improved indoor air quality.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural ventilation throughout the building.
04
Includes rooftop gardens designed for urban agriculture and biodiversity.
05
Utilizes polymer mesh for efficient partitioning and energy management within the structure.

### Overview
Located in a challenging arid environment, the Vidamor Building integrates innovative architectural design with an emphasis on environmental sustainability. The project is conceived to establish a harmonious connection between built and natural landscapes, utilizing principles derived from elemental forces such as water, wind, soil, and sunlight. The intent of the design is to foster a self-sufficient living environment that prioritizes ecological sensitivity while enhancing user comfort and community interaction.

### Environmental Integration
The architectural framework is grounded in the principles of environmental synergy, where natural elements are intentionally incorporated to improve the quality of life for occupants. Features such as water bodies and landscaped gardens are central to creating a refreshing atmosphere that echoes an oasis. The building's layout promotes a functional mix of public, semi-private, and private spaces, facilitating diverse interactions among users while fostering a sense of community. Ground-level areas are purposefully designed to support self-reliance through local production capabilities, addressing the need for sustainability in contemporary architectural practices.

### Material Strategy
The selection of materials in the Vidamor Building reflects a thoughtful approach to sustainability and environmental compatibility. High-content concrete cap forms a durable and sculptural facade, while polymer mesh serves in energy management and interior partitioning. Solar panels are strategically placed to harness energy for the building's operational needs, complemented by algal filters that purify indoor air. Glass and concrete lenses are utilized in window designs to optimize light distribution and thermal comfort, contributing to the building’s overall ecological strategy.

### Spatial Dynamics
The building’s form embodies a fluid assembly of curvilinear structures that enhance spatial flow and aesthetic engagement. The zoning is carefully planned, delineating areas for public interaction, semi-private gatherings, and personal retreat, thus balancing communal and individual experiences. Notably, voids are incorporated within the design to facilitate natural ventilation, enhancing thermal performance while reducing reliance on mechanical systems. This strategy not only cultivates a comfortable indoor environment but also enriches the overall architectural composition.

### Sustainable Features
The introduction of rooftop gardens reinforces the building's commitment to sustainability, creating not only a visual focal point but also an active space for growing food and improving air quality. Integral to the project are unique innovations such as an advanced air filtration system that utilizes algae, which plays a critical role in maintaining air purity in a desert climate. Solar energy solutions are effectively integrated to support the building’s energy independence, while integrated water features function to irrigate gardens and create cooling microclimates around the structure.

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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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