Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Concrete Core With Operable Facade for Flexible Desert Living

Author:
Chloe Thomasian
Concrete Core With Operable Facade for Flexible Desert Living

Project in-detail

A concrete core anchors a flexible retreat with an operable facade, allowing for personalized living experiences in the harsh desert climate of West Texas.
5 key facts about this project
01
Concrete core provides structural and thermal stability.
02
Operable double screen facade adapts to climate conditions.
03
Two distinct flexible spaces promote individual privacy.
04
Design integrates seamlessly with the surrounding desert landscape.
05
Emphasis on personal autonomy within shared living experience.

The architectural retreat in remote West Texas offers a unique living space designed for two occupants, without the expectation that they are a couple. Known as "De-coupled," the design focuses on flexibility, allowing the individuals to choose how much they wish to engage with each other and their environment. Set against the rugged terrain and varying climate of Terlingua, the residence emphasizes both private and shared experiences.

Building Structure
A concrete core serves as the central element of the design. This structure houses important facilities such as a bathroom, kitchen, and storage. With its solid material, the core effectively regulates temperature, which is critical for comfort in a region where temperatures can fluctuate greatly. The core's design maximizes efficiency and anchors the retreat in its landscape.

Facade and Environmental Response
The operable double screen facade stands out as a key feature. It adapts to changing weather conditions, managing sunlight exposure and ventilation. This dynamic facade enhances the living environment by allowing light to enter while also providing privacy. It frames views of the scenic landscape, creating a connection between the occupants and their surroundings.

Interior Spatial Organization
Inside the retreat, two flexible spaces provide each occupant with their own area. This layout places importance on adaptability and personal comfort. While the spaces allow for privacy, they also facilitate shared experiences. The overall organization encourages residents to define how they want to use their home, balancing solitude and interaction.

Every aspect of the design reflects careful consideration of the environment and the needs of the occupants. The interplay between shared and private spaces allows for a harmonious living experience, while the architectural elements work together to respond to the challenges posed by the desert landscape. The result is a thoughtful dwelling that encourages individual comfort within a collective context.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy