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Compressed Earth and Palm Wood Harmony in Sustainable Desert Living

Authors:
Asli Özge Zabun, Elİf Dİlara Alan, ÜmmÜgÜlsÜm Hande Zabun Eser
Compressed Earth and Palm Wood Harmony in Sustainable Desert Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing compressed earth and palm wood, the design creates a sustainable living environment optimized for community interaction and environmental harmony in a desert setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced compressed earth for thermal mass and energy efficiency.
02
Incorporates palm wood for structural elements and aesthetic continuity with the surrounding environment.
03
Features green roofs for water management and enhanced insulation.
04
Includes adaptive living spaces that can be modified as community needs change.
05
Integrates natural ventilation strategies to optimize airflow throughout the structure.

### Overview
FUTURE NEST is a sustainable architectural design project located in a desert urban context, with an emphasis on environmental harmony and community integration. It combines traditional and contemporary architectural elements to enhance the livability of the area while utilizing local materials and renewable energy sources.

### Spatial Organization
The design features a diverse layout that balances private and communal spaces. Residential units are situated alongside community courtyards, which serve as social hubs. Each unit includes garden spaces to support local agriculture and foster interaction with nature. The project also integrates agricultural terraces on the rooftops, promoting self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on external food sources. The arrangement maximizes natural ventilation and sunlight to improve energy efficiency and comfort within the living spaces.

### Material and Sustainability
The project prioritizes the use of sustainable materials sourced locally. Walls are constructed using soil from nearby construction sites and compressed earth blocks, providing thermal mass and environmental synergy. Structural elements are crafted from palm wood, reflecting local flora, while reinforced concrete ensures structural integrity. Glass is thoughtfully utilized to enhance natural light entry and maintain visual connections with the surroundings. Green roofs not only accommodate agricultural functions but also offer insulation, thereby reducing heat loads on the building. Additional features include solar panels for renewable energy generation and natural water recycling systems that promote resource efficiency.

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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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