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Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Wooden Shingles Enhance Sustainable Living in Arid Environments

Author:
Carlo Alberto Guerriero
Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Wooden Shingles Enhance Sustainable Living in Arid Environments

Project in-detail

Utilizing cross-laminated timber panels and charred wooden shingles, the design offers a sustainable solution for resilient living in arid environments, blending functionality with environmental sensitivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity and sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that improves airflow and reduces heat gain.
04
Employs integrated rainwater harvesting systems for effective water management.
05
Maximizes community interaction through flexible and open communal spaces.
The Anti-Desertification House is an architectural project designed to respond to the challenges of climate change and desertification, specifically in arid regions such as sub-Saharan Africa. The project embodies an approach to sustainable living that integrates innovative design with local environmental conditions, reinforcing the idea of architecture as a contributor to ecological balance. Its primary function is to provide resilient housing solutions while promoting community engagement and environmental consciousness.

The design is characterized by a modular structure that permits easy adaptation and expansion depending on family or community needs. It employs a combination of timber and local materials for construction, promoting minimal reliance on external resources. The architectural layout features open communal spaces to enhance social interactions amongst residents while maintaining personal privacy in the design of private rooms.

The roof structure includes large overhangs that provide shade, reducing solar heat gain and promoting natural ventilation. The intricate wall patterns serve both aesthetic and functional purposes, allowing for air circulation and thermal regulation. The integration of photovoltaic panels offsets energy consumption, while rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems ensure responsible water management.

Sustainability is a defining feature of the Anti-Desertification House. It incorporates technologies that require minimal maintenance and are easily accessible to the residents. The choice of biodegradable materials reinforces the ecological integrity of the site and contributes to the overall project narrative.

Unique Design Approaches

What distinguishes the Anti-Desertification House from conventional projects is its emphasis on modularity and community resilience. The flexible configuration allows for progressive adaptations, catering to changing demographics and needs in the growing population. This architectural choice reflects an awareness of the dynamic nature of human settlements in the face of climatic challenges.

Additionally, the project is designed with collaboration in mind. Common areas encourage interaction among residents, facilitating community-building and cooperative living. This focus on shared experiences addresses social isolation, promoting a sense of belonging that is particularly critical in vulnerable communities facing environmental adversity.

Sustainable Architectural Solutions

The Anti-Desertification House leverages modern sustainable technologies to adjust to its harsh environment. The rainwater harvesting systems not only collect but also filter and store water, directly addressing water scarcity issues prevalent in desertified areas. Furthermore, the greywater recycling units are designed to treat and reuse water from kitchens and baths, enhancing water conservation efforts.

The use of insulated panels and engineered wood optimizes thermal performance, mitigating extreme temperature variations associated with arid climates. This approach to materials not only reduces energy requirements for cooling and heating but also contributes to a lower carbon footprint, aligning the project with sustainable architectural practices.

For those interested in exploring the Anti-Desertification House further, a review of the architectural plans, sections, and designs will provide deeper insights into its innovative approach, functional layout, and sustainable strategies.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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