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Central Patio Surrounded by Natural Stone and Sustainable Materials for Desert Living

Author:
Carlos Rui Lopes De Sousa
Central Patio Surrounded by Natural Stone and Sustainable Materials for Desert Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing local stone and sustainable materials, the design integrates a central patio that enhances natural ventilation and light, creating a harmonious living space tailored for desert conditions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced stone to blend seamlessly with the desert environment.
02
Features a central patio design that optimizes natural ventilation and cooling.
03
Incorporates sustainable concrete for durability and environmental efficiency.
04
Emphasizes traditional motifs through the use of ceramic tiles in interior spaces.
05
Integrates native landscaping to support local biodiversity and minimize maintenance.

### Project Overview
The Patio House is situated in the arid landscape of Dubai, integrating modern architectural practices with traditional cultural elements. The design concept focuses on creating a living environment that promotes both communal interactions and personal contemplation, effectively responding to the region's cultural and climatic context.

### Central Patio and Spatial Strategy
At the heart of the design is a central patio, which serves as both a communal gathering space and a source of natural light. This feature is surrounded by expansive windows that enhance visual connectivity with the surrounding desert, reinforcing the relationship between the indoor and outdoor environments. The layout is carefully structured to encourage fluid movement between public and private areas, ensuring that family interactions are easily facilitated while maintaining privacy in the bedrooms through intentional spatial arrangements.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The selection of materials reflects a commitment to sustainable practices and local heritage. The exterior walls are constructed using local stone to ensure thermal mass and establish a connection to the desert landscape. Sustainable concrete, reinforced with local aggregates, is employed to enhance durability and minimize environmental impact. Interior spaces are adorned with ceramic tiles that reflect traditional craftsmanship, while large glass windows optimize transparency and light flow. Additionally, sustainable features such as a rainwater collection system and passive solar strategies highlight the project's environmental responsibility, focusing on energy efficiency and resource management. Native landscaping further reinforces the design's sustainability by requiring minimal maintenance and supporting local biodiversity.

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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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