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Cave-Inspired Design Featuring Local Stone and Flexible Family Spaces in a Desert Context

Author:
Xin Ma
Cave-Inspired Design Featuring Local Stone and Flexible Family Spaces in a Desert Context

Project in-detail

Utilizing local stone and a cave-like spatial configuration, the design facilitates a balance between communal interaction and private retreats, accommodating the dynamic needs of modern family living in a desert environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes local stone to seamlessly blend with the surrounding desert landscape.
02
Features a cave-like spatial configuration to foster family interaction and privacy.
03
Incorporates large glass panels for enhanced natural lighting and views.
04
Includes flexible internal layouts that adapt to changing family dynamics.
05
Prioritizes thermal performance through strategic building orientation and materials.
The architectural design project, "Cave House in Between," presents a residential model situated within a desert landscape, reflecting an integration of contemporary architectural principles and traditional living forms. This project explores the notion of familial living through a coherent spatial organization, fostering social interaction while addressing individual privacy needs. The design seeks to create a harmonious dwelling that melds into the natural environment while providing functionality for modern lifestyles.

Shared Communal and Private Spaces

The central aspect of this project is the large communal area, characterized as the "shared cave.” This space serves as the heart of the home, designed for family gatherings and social interactions. Its open layout allows for various configurations, enabling adaptability to the dynamic nature of family life. Adjacent to this communal area, smaller "caves" provide intimate settings for personal activities, including bedrooms and workspaces. This duality in space design not only maintains a balance between shared and private living but also allows for a fluid transition from one type of interaction to another throughout daily activities.

Innovative Material Use and Environmental Consideration

The material palette of "Cave House in Between" features concrete, glass, local stone, and wood. Concrete offers structural integrity and a modern aesthetic, while glass maximizes natural light and views of the surrounding landscape, fostering a sense of openness. Local stone is thoughtfully integrated into the exterior façade, creating a dialogue between the architecture and its natural context, enhancing thermal performance and visual cohesion with the desert terrain. Wood introduces warmth to the interior spaces, providing a balance against the starkness of concrete surfaces. This careful selection of materials promotes sustainability and environmental integration, essential for a project located in a climate-sensitive area.

Adaptability and Future Growth

A unique element of this design is its focus on adaptability. The layout not only accommodates current family needs but anticipates future changes in dynamics. This forward-thinking approach allows spaces to expand or transform, ensuring longevity and relevance in design. By prioritizing flexibility, the project creates an environment that can support evolving familial structures, making it a responsive habitat in a rapidly changing world.

For those interested in deeper insights into this architectural project, exploring the architectural plans, sections, and designs will provide a comprehensive understanding of the design intricacies and innovative ideas presented in "Cave House in Between." Engaging with these elements will illustrate the thoughtful approach to architecture and its functionality within the context of modern living.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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