Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Cooling Oasis Created with Natural Stone and Climate-Responsive Design in Arid Desert Setting

Author:
Evgeniya Tseitlin
Cooling Oasis Created with Natural Stone and Climate-Responsive Design in Arid Desert Setting

Project in-detail

Incorporating sustainable stone and traditional wind catchers, the design addresses the intense desert climate while creating a functional family residence that emphasizes an indoor-outdoor flow.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes traditional wind catchers for passive cooling.
02
Incorporates a central water oasis for microclimate enhancement.
03
Integrates shaded courtyards to promote outdoor living.
04
Employs local stone materials for structural longevity.
05
Features balconies designed for children’s play areas.

## Project Overview

Located in the Great Sandy Desert of Rub’ al Khali, Dunes House is designed to harmonize modern functionality with cultural heritage. The architectural composition is characterized by a central square motif that reflects both traditional influences and meticulous planning.

### Environmental Responsiveness and User Experience

Incorporating elements intrinsic to Middle Eastern architecture, such as wind catchers, mashrabiyas, and qanats, Dunes House emphasizes sustainable design practices that facilitate natural ventilation and cooling. The layout promotes a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, featuring an open-air courtyard and shaded areas that provide privacy while enhancing comfort. Integrated water features serve as both cooling elements and aesthetic focal points, fostering an inviting environment conducive to family interaction and outdoor activities.

### Material Selection and Structural Considerations

The construction materials chosen for Dunes House underscore both cultural significance and practical viability. Stone serves as the primary building material, offering durability suited for the desert climate, while concrete provides necessary structural integrity. The strategic use of glass enhances natural light penetration and facilitates transparency in the facade. Additionally, shaded roofs and covered courtyards are incorporated to reduce solar gain, supporting the project's sustainability goals.

The house's configuration spans 21 m by 23 m with a total residential area of 377 m², encompassing a ground level with communal living spaces and essential service areas, and an upper level dedicated to private quarters, including four bedrooms and balconies designed for children’s outdoor play.

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