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Cactus-Inspired Residence Showcasing Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Natural Ventilation Strategies

Author:
Mona Ali
Cactus-Inspired Residence Showcasing Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Natural Ventilation Strategies

Project in-detail

Crafted from cross-laminated timber panels and inspired by the characteristics of desert flora, this residence leverages natural ventilation strategies to create a sustainable living environment suited for arid climates.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by the resilience of cactus plants, the design incorporates natural air regulation features.
02
The residence uses a Windcatcher system for enhanced natural ventilation and cooling.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels are employed for structural support while minimizing weight.
04
Charred wooden shingles provide fire resistance and aesthetic character unique to the desert environment.
05
Multiple internal courtyards enhance airflow and connect the interior with the outdoor landscape.

### Overview
Located in a desert environment, the Cactus House exemplifies modern architectural design while addressing the region's unique climatic challenges. Drawing inspiration from the adaptability and resilience of the cactus plant, the design incorporates features that promote sustainability and enhance the user experience. This report analyzes key elements of the architectural design, including spatial organization, materiality, and sustainability strategies.

### Spatial Organization
The spatial layout of the Cactus House is thoughtfully designed to optimize light and airflow. The ground floor accommodates communal areas, such as the living and dining rooms, facilitating social interaction while ensuring accessibility. The arrangement of rooms supports natural ventilation and scenic views, fostering a cohesive living environment. The first floor is dedicated to private quarters, providing a quiet retreat. Skylights and strategically placed windows enhance daylighting and reduce reliance on artificial light sources.

### Materiality and Sustainability
Innovative material choices play a crucial role in the building's performance and aesthetics. A specialized waxy material, reminiscent of the protective coating of cacti, offers insulation and reflects solar radiation, contributing to interior temperature control. Lightweight stone and wood substitutes maintain visual appeal while minimizing heat retention. The exterior paint is engineered to enhance cooling efficiency. A central Windcatcher facilitates natural ventilation, decreasing energy consumption, while integrated greenery improves air quality and visually connects inhabitants to the surrounding landscape.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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