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Chipped Panels and Natural Textiles in a Flexible Desert Retreat

Author:
Alberto Beccarisi
Chipped Panels and Natural Textiles in a Flexible Desert Retreat

Project in-detail

Chipped panels of wood and patterned textiles define a versatile retreat in the desert, designed for community engagement and sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Chipped panels enhance the building’s thermal performance while complementing the desert landscape.
02
Natural textiles with floral motifs create a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural ventilation and light entry.
04
Locally sourced materials reduce the carbon footprint and support regional economy.
05
Flexible spatial arrangements allow for diverse communal activities and personal retreats.

## Overview
Located in the Arabian desert, KHAIMA is a contemporary architectural project designed to reflect the region's cultural traditions while addressing modern residential and communal needs. Inspired by traditional tent structures, the design integrates adaptability and sustainability as core principles. It aims to serve as a refuge within an unpredictable landscape, fostering social interactions and economic opportunities in its community.

## Material Selection
The material palette for KHAIMA showcases a commitment to both ecological sustainability and aesthetic appeal. Key materials include wood for its warmth and connection to nature, chipped panels that echo the desert landscape while offering innovative functional design, and fabric coverings that introduce floral motifs, enhancing the transition between indoor and outdoor environments. Extensive use of glass facilitates natural light penetration, promoting transparency and visual continuity between occupants and their surroundings. These materials collectively establish a bridge between the built environment and the natural landscape.

## Spatial Configuration
KHAIMA's spatial organization features flexible areas designed for multiple functions, accommodating social gatherings, quiet retreats, or collaborative activities. This layout promotes fluid movement between public and private spaces, encouraging communal engagement. The strategic orientation and large window openings frame panoramic views of the desert, enhancing occupant interaction with the landscape while maximizing natural ventilation and daylight access. The architectural design demonstrates innovative solutions that harmonize luxury with functionality, utilizing intricate ceiling details, illuminated wall applications, and a variety of flooring materials to create a cohesive interior environment.

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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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