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Compressed Earth and Shotcrete Oasis in the Desert Landscape

Authors:
Mathias Juul frost, Yana Ostapchuk
Compressed Earth and Shotcrete Oasis in the Desert Landscape

Project in-detail

Constructed from compressed earth and shotcrete, the hub integrates smoothly into the desert landscape, providing essential communal spaces for dining and socializing while promoting sustainability and local engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with compressed earth, enhancing thermal mass and local resource use.
02
Incorporates shotcrete, allowing flexible shaping and integration with the landscape.
03
Features a water collection system that captures moisture through condensation.
04
Utilizes natural ventilation strategies to enhance air quality and comfort.
05
Design includes hiking paths that promote engagement with the surrounding environment.

Azure Hub is designed with careful consideration for its desert surroundings. Located among rolling dunes, the structure serves multiple functions, providing spaces for community interaction and essential services. The overall design concept is centered on two key components: "Adamant by Nature" and "Movement Along Nature." These elements work together to foster a connection between the built environment and the natural landscape that surrounds it.

Architectural Framework
The foundation of Azure Hub features a strict geometric design that organizes its essential spaces. This layout creates a safe environment while maintaining a sense of openness. The combination of rigid and soft forms encourages movement throughout the site, allowing visitors to engage with the dunes. Key areas such as dining rooms and lounges are thoughtfully arranged to promote social interaction, enhancing the overall experience.

Spatial Organization
Within the hub, public and private functions are clearly defined. The design includes a dining space that can accommodate up to 60 people, a reception area, kitchen facilities, a bar and cafe, and outdoor waiting spaces for 15 individuals. This careful arrangement guides users through the hub, leading them from lively community areas to quiet spots for relaxation. Changes in elevation throughout the design add visual interest and contribute to comfort.

Natural Integration
Hiking paths connect the hub to its natural environment, allowing visitors to explore the desert before reaching the lodges. This design encourages a sense of discovery, inviting patrons to engage with the landscape. The lounge serves as an important gathering point, providing a welcoming environment for those arriving by foot or camel. It highlights the significance of interaction within the overall visitor experience.

Sustainability and Ventilation
The design includes effective natural ventilation strategies, such as strategically positioned openings that create a chimney effect. This setup allows fresh air to enter from lower levels while letting warm air escape from the top. The Water Seer, a water collection system, also plays a role in sustainability, capturing moisture through condensation to support both human and animal needs around the site.

Compressed earth building material and shotcrete are featured in the construction of Azure Hub, reinforcing its commitment to eco-friendliness. The soft geometries and integrated formwork create visual harmony with the landscape, ensuring that the structure blends well into its desert surroundings. This attention to detail results in a design that respects the environment while serving its users effectively.

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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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