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Charred Wood Shingles and Geothermal Integration in a Desert Residential Community

Author:
Misker Tadesse Afesha
Charred Wood Shingles and Geothermal Integration in a Desert Residential Community

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wood shingles for both aesthetic and thermal efficiency, the design integrates geothermal energy systems to create a sustainable residential community in a challenging desert environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and thermal performance.
02
Integrates geothermal energy systems to reduce reliance on external power sources.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
04
Incorporates water features in courtyards for natural cooling and aesthetic appeal.
05
Employs a bent A-frame design to optimize natural ventilation and airflow.

### Overview and Concept

The Thinking House is an architectural initiative designed for a desert environment, focusing on creating an adaptive habitat that responds to climatic, technological, and community needs. It seeks to address the unique challenges of arid regions, including extreme temperatures and social dynamics, by promoting sustainability and community interaction through a thoughtfully designed built environment.

### Urban Courtyards and Environmental Strategy

The project features urban courtyards that play a critical role in mediating the desert climate. These courtyards are characterized by extensive vegetation, which not only contributes to lower ambient temperatures and improved air quality but also fosters a calming atmosphere. Additionally, integrated water features facilitate evaporative cooling and enhance microclimate conditions, while passive environmental control mechanisms support natural ventilation, creating inviting outdoor spaces that encourage social interaction and community engagement.

### Architectural and Material Considerations

The layout of The Thinking House employs distinct zoning strategies to balance privacy and communal living. This organization of space promotes secure circulation while allowing for social connectivity among residents. The architecture integrates advanced sustainability features, including renewable energy systems and intelligent home technologies capable of optimizing energy use in real-time.

Material selection for the project prioritizes both functionality and ecological responsibility. Robust concrete provides structural integrity, while wood elements introduce warmth to interiors. Strategic placements of glass optimize natural light and thermal regulation, and durable metal is utilized in solar energy systems and supporting infrastructure. These materials collectively contribute to the project's energy efficiency and environmental sustainability objectives.

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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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