Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

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
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
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.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Pavilion Atlas 2026: Rethinking Nations Through Architectural Storytelling

`
Competition organisers

Buildner launches Pavilion Atlas 2026, a global architecture competition inviting designers to create conceptual pavilions that tell the story of a country. Participants are challenged to express cultural, social, environmental, or political identity through spatial storytelling, focusing on ideas rather than symbols or technical constraints. The competition offers a total prize fund of €20,000, with final registration open until September 16, 2026, and winners to be announced on December 8, 2026. All submissions will become part of a global design archive.

Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 27 August 2026
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 September 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 23 September 2026
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 7 October 2026
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 8 October 2026
The 
Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 October 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 27 August 2026
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 10 September 2026
new
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #9 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 10 September 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 17 September 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 September 2026
The 
Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award + Exhibition at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 24 September 2026
MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

Media, partners and clients

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