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Cables and Steel Frames Enabling Interactive Living in a Desert Environment

Author:
Roberto Gallegos noreña
Cables and Steel Frames Enabling Interactive Living in a Desert Environment

Project in-detail

Suspended by cables and supported by steel frames, the six interconnected pods create a flexible living space that blends with a central Sakura tree in a desert environment, designed for contemplation and interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Six pods are suspended by cables, allowing for flexible spatial configurations.
02
A central Sakura tree serves as the focal point, integrating nature into the design.
03
The interior shapes of the pods evoke cave-like forms, enhancing a sense of safety.
04
The project emphasizes interaction through distinct programmatic spaces for various activities.
05
Steel frames provide robust structural support while maintaining a lightweight appearance.

The Desert House is an architectural exploration set at the top of a mountain in a desert landscape. Functioning as a place for quiet reflection and creativity, it engages with the concept of space in the metaverse. The design focuses on flexibility, presenting a new way to think about how buildings interact with their environment.

Structural Organization
The building consists of six interconnected pods, each intended for different uses. These pods are held up by arched steel frames and suspended with cables, which allows them to shift and rearrange. This method of support creates a connection between the various spaces. Users can navigate the house to find areas that suit their needs at any given moment.



Interior Aesthetics
Inside the pods, the shapes recall natural caves, connecting to basic human feelings of safety. This design choice encourages a comforting environment that people can relate to. Soft colors and light browns contribute to a calm atmosphere, making it a suitable space for relaxation and thoughtful activities.



Central Element
A central Sakura tree is a key feature of the Desert House. It serves as a physical and symbolic anchor for the entire design. The tree reinforces the link between the natural world and digital experiences. It encourages visitors to pause and reflect, highlighting the project’s focus on balancing technology with nature.



Programmatic Layout
The arrangement of spaces within the house includes specific areas for different activities. The Outdoors Living/Meeting Space and Living Room act as social hubs for gatherings, while the Game Room provides a space focused on gaming culture. Moreover, the Exploration Room allows users to interact with digital marketplaces, and the Gallery/Vault safely displays and stores digital assets.

The design also includes a grid system, which helps with movement across the various spaces, enhancing accessibility and user experience.

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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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