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Compressed Earth and Circular Skylights Form a Community Hub in a Desert Landscape

Authors:
Mathias Juul frost, Yana Ostapchuk
Compressed Earth and Circular Skylights Form a Community Hub in a Desert Landscape

Project in-detail

Utilizing compressed earth bricks and circular skylights, the design integrates seamlessly into the desert landscape to create a multifunctional community hub that prioritizes sustainability and user engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced compressed earth bricks to enhance sustainability and reduce environmental impact.
02
Incorporates circular skylights that optimize natural light and ventilation throughout the space.
03
Features a unique bent A-frame design that reflects the surrounding desert landscape's natural forms.
04
Integrates an innovative water harvesting system for efficient resource management in arid conditions.
05
Includes multifunctional community areas designed to encourage social interaction and collaboration.
The Azure Hub is an architectural endeavor situated in a challenging desert environment. The project showcases a thoughtful integration of built form with the natural landscape, emphasizing sustainability and user engagement. The design aims to create a versatile space that fosters community interactions while maintaining comfort and efficiency. By utilizing local materials and innovative construction techniques, Azure Hub reflects an acute awareness of its ecological context.

Spatial Organization
The layout of Azure Hub focuses on facilitating communal and individual experiences. Key areas include a dining space and lounge designed with flowing geometries that promote socialization. The bar and café areas serve as transitional spaces, allowing for interaction between indoor and outdoor environments. Reception and lounge spaces are strategically positioned to create a welcoming atmosphere for visitors, enhancing circulation and accessibility.

The project emphasizes a seamless connection between interior and exterior, utilizing generous openings and skylights to facilitate natural light and ventilation. This architectural porosity enhances the indoor environment while minimizing reliance on mechanical systems, aligning with sustainable design principles.

Unique Design Approaches
What sets Azure Hub apart from conventional designs is its innovative use of materials and geometry. Compressed earth bricks form the primary structural component, reflecting both sustainability goals and the local culture. This choice of material not only provides stability but also contributes to thermal comfort in extreme temperatures.

The project employs a unique roof design that mimics the natural undulations of the surrounding dunes. Circular skylights punctuate the roof, allowing natural light to penetrate deep into the interior spaces while creating a visually appealing dynamic silhouette.

Furthermore, the creative integration of a water harvesting system, known as a Water Seer, enhances the project's sustainability. This system collects rainwater, providing vital resources for both the hub and the surrounding landscape, demonstrating a commitment to ecological stewardship.

Integration with the Environment
Azure Hub is designed to harmonize with its environment, incorporating hiking paths and native vegetation. The landscaping is carefully curated to enhance the user experience, promoting exploration and interaction with the natural ecosystem. This approach emphasizes the importance of outdoor connectivity and environmental conservation in architectural design.

For those interested in a deeper understanding of Azure Hub, reviewing the architectural plans, sections, and overall design strategies will provide valuable insights into the unique features and innovative concepts that define this project. Explore these elements to appreciate the thoughtful architecture that bridges the gap between the built and natural worlds.
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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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