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Curvilinear Forms Enhanced By Thermo-Reflective Cladding Within A Desert Context

Author:
Hernan Enrique Gomez
Curvilinear Forms Enhanced By Thermo-Reflective Cladding Within A Desert Context

Project in-detail

Curvilinear structures clad in thermo-reflective materials merge seamlessly with the desert landscape, creating an energy-efficient residence that emphasizes indoor-outdoor connectivity and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvilinear forms reflect the organic shapes of the surrounding desert landscape.
02
Thermo-reflective cladding enhances thermal performance while minimizing heat absorption.
03
A garden room extends the living space, promoting indoor and outdoor integration.
04
Sound quartz flooring provides durability while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
05
Designed to maximize natural light through strategic glass placements.

## Project Overview

Located within a context that reflects the natural beauty of desert landscapes, the design emphasizes efficiency, aesthetics, and functionality. The project aims to forge a strong connection with its surroundings, drawing inspiration from the organic forms of sand dunes, which are interpreted through architectural language to create a harmonious relationship between built and natural environments.

### Spatial Organization

The ground floor features an open layout with a total usable area of 152.20 m², consisting of interconnected spaces including a living room, dining area, kitchen, and service zones. The main entrance, enhanced by landscaping, establishes a welcoming environment. Prominently positioned, the living and dining areas facilitate both formal and informal gatherings, benefiting from ample natural light through strategically placed openings. The kitchen, designed for practicality, is conveniently adjacent to the dining space, while designated rest areas incorporate relaxation zones, including a garden room that blurs the line between indoor and outdoor environments.

The first floor, spanning 132.84 m², is dedicated to private living quarters. The master bedroom, complete with an en-suite bath and wardrobe, offers a retreat-like environment, while additional bedrooms are configured for family and guests, ensuring ease of access to shared facilities. A common bathroom is located strategically to maintain privacy while serving the occupants effectively.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The material palette prioritizes sustainability and modern aesthetics, featuring high-quality thermo-reflective products for external cladding, which reduce heat absorption. Sound quartz with a sand finish is selected for flooring to enhance durability, while concrete serves both structural and aesthetic purposes. Wood is incorporated to introduce warmth and texture, creating a connection with nature, and glass is used extensively for façades and partitions, enhancing transparency and visual continuity with the exterior environment. This careful consideration of materials exemplifies a commitment to sustainable practices and supports the overall architectural intent.

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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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