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Curved Clay Walls and Natural Ventilation in a Family-Centric Desert Home

Author:
Ramón Villegas
Curved Clay Walls and Natural Ventilation in a Family-Centric Desert Home

Project in-detail

Curved clay walls and a central interior garden create a naturally ventilated oasis designed for family living within the harsh desert climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved clay walls provide thermal insulation while complementing the regional aesthetic.
02
An interior garden enhances air quality and family interaction within the home.
03
The design integrates natural ventilation systems optimized for desert airflow.
04
Large glass windows are strategically placed to maximize light without sacrificing privacy.
05
The layout prioritizes communal spaces while maintaining distinct private areas for family members.

### Project Overview

The Mudejar Maskan project is located in a desert region, drawing on traditional Islamic architectural principles while meeting contemporary living requirements. The design emphasizes a family-oriented environment, characterized by a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Traditional Islamic houses inspire the layout, promoting an intimate relationship among various areas of the home while responding to the climatic and cultural nuances of the surrounding environment.

### Spatial Configuration and User Interaction

The core of the design is defined by the inclusion of a central patio that acts as a hub for family interaction and leisure activities. Complementary to this, the layout consists of well-defined hallways, corridors, and balconies that support the daily life of residents while respecting cultural and religious customs. This organization not only fosters a fluid movement through the space but also facilitates community engagement within the family structure.

### Material Selection and Environmental Performance

Material choices in the design play a pivotal role in addressing local climatic challenges. The use of double-curved walls creates a protective thermal envelope, improving insulation against extreme heat and sandstorms. A composite of reinforced concrete and clay provides structural strength while enhancing thermal efficiency. Large windows utilize glass to maximize daylight penetration, contributing to a vibrant atmosphere while maintaining privacy. Additionally, lightweight steel elements are strategically incorporated to support access stairways and enhance the overall aesthetic coherence.

The design incorporates several features that prioritize both comfort and sustainability. Curved walls improve airflow and mitigate solar heat absorption, critical in desert climates. The multi-level structure enhances the spatial experience by providing varied perspectives and facilitating natural ventilation through operable windows. An interior garden integrated into the patio not only improves air quality but also strengthens the connection between architecture and nature, supporting the well-being of occupants while emphasizing a sustainable approach to residential design.

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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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