Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Desert Sand Structure Featuring Wind Tower and Indoor Garden for Enhanced Ventilation

Authors:
Seokwon Choi, Bang Yousub
Desert Sand Structure Featuring Wind Tower and Indoor Garden for Enhanced Ventilation

Project in-detail

Utilizing local desert sand and bacteria to construct durable walls, the design incorporates a central wind tower and indoor garden to optimize ventilation, creating a sustainable residence that reflects Emirati cultural values.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes local desert sand mixed with bacteria for structural durability.
02
Features a central wind tower to enhance natural ventilation throughout the home.
03
Incorporates an indoor garden to improve air quality and provide a green space.
04
Design includes a Majilis, reflecting traditional Emirati cultural values.
05
Employs passive cooling techniques adapted to the specific climate of Nad Al Sheba.

### Architectural Report: Sand End House

#### Overview
Sand End House is strategically situated in Nad Al Sheba, designed to reflect sustainable living concepts that align with Emirati cultural values. The project integrates modern architectural practices with traditional building techniques and locally sourced materials. The intent is to create a resilient dwelling that not only meets contemporary needs but also honors the region's heritage.

#### Material Utilization and Sustainability
The design emphasizes the use of desert sand, a readily available local resource, to facilitate both structural stability and natural cooling. Constructed with sand and bacteria (Sporosarcina pasteurii), the walls exhibit durability through a natural binding process. Reinforced concrete enhances structural performance while traditional finishes provide a connection to cultural aesthetics. The inclusion of wood elements in the design underscores a commitment to sustainability and cultural continuity.

#### Spatial Configuration and Environmental Adaptation
The layout prioritizes both communal and private spaces, featuring a central indoor garden that improves air quality and acts as an ecological buffer. The Majilis stands as a focal point, designed to foster social interaction while optimizing natural light and views of the garden. Additionally, the incorporation of a central wind tower and strategic window placements enhances ventilation, leveraging the local climate for passive cooling and energy efficiency. This organization creates a dynamic living environment that encourages both family cohesion and individual privacy.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy