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Desert Dwelling With Modular Units Featuring Hydropanels and Charred Wooden Shingles

Author:
Melody Brown Welch
Desert Dwelling With Modular Units Featuring Hydropanels and Charred Wooden Shingles

Project in-detail

Modular units constructed with charred wooden shingles and equipped with hydropanels create a sustainable dwelling that adapts seamlessly to the arid desert landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular design allows for effortless expansion with additional units.
02
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability and fire resistance.
03
Hydropanels harvest water from the atmosphere for self-sufficiency.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural stability and thermal insulation.
05
Bent A-frame design optimizes natural ventilation and light entry.

### Overview

The Culvert Dwelling is a residential design situated in a desert environment, focusing on sustainable living and functional aesthetics. The project centers on adaptability and self-sufficiency, employing advanced energy solutions such as flywheel solar technology and hydropanels. These features enable the dwelling to operate independently, addressing contemporary challenges related to energy and water scarcity. The modular design allows for flexible expansion, catering to the evolving needs of homeowners while minimizing resource waste associated with traditional construction methods.

### Spatial Strategy

The interior layout promotes functionality and livability through adaptable configurations. The ground floor comprises an open-concept design integrating living areas, dining spaces, and kitchens to foster familial interaction. A lower level is designated for utility purposes, adaptable for storage or additional living quarters. This foresight into future expansion shows an emphasis on practical living without extensive remodeling, aligning with sustainable design principles.

### Material and Energy Solutions

Strategically selected materials reinforce the dwelling's sustainability objectives. Concrete provides structural integrity and thermal mass, reducing reliance on artificial temperature control. Wood finishes enhance aesthetics and warmth, while expansive glazing ensures natural light accessibility. Innovative hydropanels generate potable water, significantly improving water autonomy, and flywheel energy storage systems accommodate household power needs sustainably. These materials and technologies collectively reflect a commitment to eco-friendly living, ensuring durability and minimal maintenance over time.

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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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