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Corten Steel and Adobe Shelters Emphasize Water Management in Desert Living

Author:
Luiz felipe Silveira
Corten Steel and Adobe Shelters Emphasize Water Management in Desert Living

Project in-detail

Corten steel and adobe walls converge in a design that emphasizes water management and wildlife observation in a desert setting, creating a sustainable space for communal living and environmental interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Corten steel provides durability and weather resistance while blending with the desert landscape.
02
Adobe walls ensure thermal regulation and a low carbon footprint for sustainable living.
03
The roof's slope optimizes rainwater collection for a filtering reservoir, enhancing water management.
04
Wide openings promote natural light and ventilation, fostering a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
05
Integrated filtering gardens utilize native plants for effective wastewater treatment.

The design is set against a backdrop of harsh desert terrain, emphasizing the need for a structure that blends with its environment while serving both residential and communal functions. The project aims to create a space where inhabitants can live in harmony with the surrounding landscape. It draws inspiration from the shapes and forms of the desert, reflecting the natural beauty and unique character of the location.

Conceptual Form

The structure’s design features a wavy profile at the top, reminiscent of the dunes shaped by the wind. Below, a straight line serves as a grounding element, providing stability and visual interest. This combination fosters a balance between natural and man-made forms, creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages exploration. Openings in the walls allow natural light to enter, enhancing the interior spaces and connecting them to the outdoors.

Water Management

In response to the challenges of the desert environment, the building includes an innovative water management system. The sloped roof directs rainwater into a channel that leads to a filtering reservoir, allowing for effective reuse of limited water resources. This thoughtful approach reduces reliance on external supplies and addresses the arid climate. Additionally, filtering gardens use local plants to treat wastewater, further promoting sustainability within the design.

Materiality and Climate Response

Materials play an important role in the building's performance. Walls constructed from adobe help maintain a low carbon footprint while offering thermal benefits. Corten steel is used in some areas, providing durability and an appealing visual texture that complements the natural surroundings. The choice of these materials allows the structure to withstand the temperature extremes typical of desert conditions. Skylights also feature prominently, letting in sunlight and fresh air while enhancing the overall comfort of the living environment.

Community and Social Interaction

The Common Hub is designed as a central gathering space that encourages socialization among residents. Its open layout fosters interaction and ensures an inviting atmosphere. This space embodies the project's intent to promote a sense of community while maintaining an easy flow of light and air throughout. It also offers expansive views of the landscape, allowing those who gather there to appreciate the beauty of the desert while enjoying shared moments with neighbors.

The overall design emphasizes a connection between the building and the natural environment. Each element is carefully considered, creating spaces that invite occupants to engage with the surrounding landscape and appreciate the simplicity and richness of desert life.

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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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