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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Ventilated Spaces in a Desert Home

Authors:
Raouf Ghasemi Barghi, Afsaneh Salehian, Sanaz Biukaghazadeh
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Ventilated Spaces in a Desert Home

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and enhanced by cross-ventilation, the villa seamlessly merges lush micro-gardens within a climate-responsive design to provide an adaptive residential environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles, the exterior enhances durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
The villa features cross-ventilated spaces that promote natural cooling throughout the interior.
03
Integrated micro-gardens in private areas support biodiversity and improve air quality.
04
The bent A-frame design optimizes structural stability while increasing light penetration.
05
Materials were sourced locally to reduce environmental impact and support regional industry.
The "Hanging Gardens Villa" represents an innovative approach to residential architecture located in an arid climate. This project emphasizes the integration of natural elements into daily living spaces, enhancing the interaction between architecture and the environment. By incorporating green gardens into the villa’s design, it promotes sustainability and ecological sensitivity, aligning with contemporary architectural practices.

The primary function of the villa is to provide a comfortable living environment while fostering a connection with nature. The layout includes a central courtyard that serves as a communal space, separating living areas from private quarters, which enhances both communal interaction and individual privacy. Each bedroom connects to a personal garden, creating micro-environments that contribute to the overall experience of the dwelling. The overall design facilitates natural ventilation, optimizing airflow to counter the effects of the surrounding climate.

Integration of Nature

One of the most notable features of the "Hanging Gardens Villa" is its innovative use of green spaces. The project integrates lush gardens throughout the structure, encouraging biodiversity and enhancing the microclimate within and around the home. The architectural design employs extensive greenery that is not merely decorative; it plays a functional role in cooling and shading, thereby reducing reliance on air conditioning systems. The villa’s layout effectively blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, promoting an ecological aesthetic that is both visually appealing and pragmatically relevant.

The design also makes use of materials that reflect both local tradition and modern sensibilities. The combination of concrete, metal screens, glass, wood, and sand creates a seamless aesthetic that respects the surrounding context. These materials not only serve structural purposes but also enhance the visual language of the villa. The metal screens, for instance, provide shade and privacy without obstructing the light, representing a thoughtful consideration of user needs and environmental conditions.

Sustainability as a Core Principle

Sustainability is a core principle guiding the design of the "Hanging Gardens Villa." The project incorporates features such as cross-ventilation, which facilitates natural cooling and minimizes energy use. Water-efficient designs adorn the landscape, ensuring responsible usage of this vital resource. The incorporation of passive cooling strategies, traditional landscaping techniques, and efficient material utilization further enhances the villa's ecological footprint.

The architectural solutions presented in this project exemplify a forward-thinking attitude toward climate-responsive design. The space not only adapts to the local microclimate but also demonstrates how residential architecture can harmonize with its environment while fulfilling contemporary lifestyle demands.

To explore this project in greater detail, please review the associated architectural plans, architectural sections, and innovative architectural designs that illustrate the distinct ideas driving the "Hanging Gardens Villa." Engaging with these elements will provide a comprehensive understanding of how the project stands out in the landscape of modern architecture.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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