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Atmospheric Water Harvesting with MOFs in a Sustainable Desert Habitat

Authors:
Mart Musekura, Youssef Hassanein, Alice Adams, Josiah Searle
Atmospheric Water Harvesting with MOFs in a Sustainable Desert Habitat

Project in-detail

Utilizing metal organic frameworks for atmospheric water harvesting, the development creates a sustainable habitat in the desert that merges ecological preservation with community living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes metal organic frameworks for efficient atmospheric water harvesting.
02
Incorporates an ecological heart to enhance local biodiversity.
03
Includes a desert souq that emulates traditional market environments.
04
Features energy generation through a combination of solar and wind resources.
05
Integrates greywater recycling for sustainable water management.

Oasis City in the Desert is a contemporary solution for sustainable urban living within the Liwa desert region. The design connects traditional Bedouin culture with modern principles, aiming to create a habitat that blends human life with the natural landscape. The project places a strong emphasis on ecological preservation and fostering community interaction alongside eco-tourism.

Ecological Heart

The ecological heart acts as the central feature of the design, serving as an enhanced natural habitat near a Protected Area. This aspect is important for supporting biodiversity and ecological health. The layout allows for movement between different zones, helping wildlife thrive while giving humans opportunities to engage with their surroundings. The incorporation of indigenous oases and desert plants provides natural cooling and condensation, crucial for comfort in a hot climate.

Habitable Zones

The habitable zones are areas specifically for people to live and include sustainable units designed for visitors. A common hub serves as the focal point here, encouraging interaction and cultural exchange among residents and tourists. The hub connects to the desert souq, which mimics the feel of traditional markets, promoting social experiences while offering necessary services. Each unit is adaptable in design to meet various communal needs and individual preferences.

Sustainability Strategies

Sustainability plays a key role in the operational aspects of the project, particularly in its approach to water and energy management. Water will be harvested using metal organic frameworks (MOFs) that capture humidity from the air, providing a reliable water supply in an arid region. Energy needs will be met through a combination of amorphous silicon photovoltaic glazing panels and vertical-axis wind turbines. This setup takes advantage of both sunlight and wind, with battery storage in each unit enabling the use of energy for lighting and heating throughout the day and night.

Waste Management and Transportation

The waste management approach emphasizes recycling and resource efficiency. Greywater from sinks and showers will be reused for irrigation and flushing toilets, highlighting the importance of conserving water. Organic waste will be processed in a bio-digester, converting it into energy for communal kitchens. In addition, a new Hyperloop terminal is planned to improve transport links to Abu Dhabi, minimizing the environmental impact associated with travel.

The design creates a thoughtful relationship between human structures and the natural world. Communal areas and individual lodges are carefully positioned to encourage interaction while respecting the surrounding ecosystem. This project embodies a commitment to ecological balance and presents a model for future developments in desert environments.

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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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