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Courtyard-Focused Design Featuring Natural Stone and Photovoltaic Integration in Desert Living

Author:
Augusto Aneas
Courtyard-Focused Design Featuring Natural Stone and Photovoltaic Integration in Desert Living

Project in-detail

Incorporating photovoltaic systems and natural stone within a biophilic courtyard layout, the design emphasizes climate-responsive living in a sustainable residence.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a central courtyard to enhance natural ventilation and reduce temperature.
02
Employs a water generation system that converts humidity into usable water.
03
Incorporates modular design elements for adaptability to changing needs.
04
Features a green roof to improve insulation and promote local biodiversity.
05
Integrates solar panels to facilitate energy self-sufficiency.

### Overview
The Oasis House is situated in the arid climate of the United Arab Emirates, drawing inspiration from traditional Middle Eastern architecture, while incorporating contemporary sustainable practices. The design addresses the unique challenges of the desert landscape, focusing on environmental harmony and cultural relevance to create a living space that reflects its surroundings.

### Spatial Strategy
The architectural layout is anchored by a series of courtyards, which serve to enhance privacy, facilitate natural ventilation, and promote a connection with nature. These courtyards divide the residence into distinct living areas, allowing for a fluid transition between indoor and outdoor environments. The ground floor features a main entrance that leads to a spacious living area with views of the front courtyard, and a central patio connects various functional spaces, including dining and kitchen areas.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The selection of materials emphasizes durability and energy efficiency. Concrete serves as the primary structural component, while glass is extensively used for windows and doors, maximizing natural light and ventilation. Wood accents, such as pergolas and ceilings, introduce warmth and texture to the design. Additionally, green roofs are incorporated to insulate the building and mitigate heat absorption. Innovative features include photovoltaic panels for solar energy utilization and a water generation system that converts ambient humidity into water, supporting irrigation needs. Careful landscaping not only enhances the aesthetic quality of the property but also mitigates heat, fostering biodiversity in a challenging environment.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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