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Dynamic Glass Integration and Natural Cooling in a Desert Residence

Authors:
Mohammad Saeed Maaleki, Amir Mohammad Hassani
Dynamic Glass Integration and Natural Cooling in a Desert Residence

Project in-detail

Utilizing dynamic glass for enhanced light control and natural cooling systems, this desert residence incorporates modular walls and sustainable materials to create adaptable living spaces that respond effectively to the arid environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes dynamic glass to adjust transparency based on light conditions.
02
Features modular wall systems that allow flexible room configurations.
03
Incorporates natural ventilation techniques inspired by traditional wind deflectors.
04
Employs locally sourced materials to enhance environmental integration.
05
Incorporates descending windows that create unobstructed views and seamless outdoor connections.

### Overview

Located in a desert environment, the architectural design integrates modern aesthetics with elements reflective of tropical and arid surroundings. The project leverages climatic conditions to enhance livability, showcasing a deliberate relationship between the built form and the natural landscape. Drawing inspiration from the mirage phenomenon, the design emphasizes spatial organization and materiality, creating a narrative that highlights the interplay between architecture and the environment.

### Spatial Dynamics and User Adaptability

The structure is characterized by suspended volumes and dynamic forms that shift in response to changing light conditions throughout the day. This approach enhances the visual experience and facilitates a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The interior incorporates adjustable wall systems that allow for flexible space usage, catering to various living scenarios and promoting interactions without physical barriers. Additionally, descending windows provide unobstructed views and enable seamless transitions between interior spaces and the natural landscape, reinforcing the dialogue with the surroundings.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

A range of materials was selected based on aesthetic and functional merits, ensuring a cohesive architectural language. Concrete and iron form the structural system, offering stability while embodying modern design principles. Natural materials sourced locally enhance the connection to the environment, while extensive use of glass facilitates natural light penetration. Innovative features such as dynamic glass systems adjust visual and environmental characteristics as needed. To promote sustainability, passive solar strategies and natural wall cooling systems are integrated, reflecting an ethos of environmental responsibility. Personalized furniture pieces, representing local craftsmanship, further enrich the interior, fostering cultural significance and modern usability.

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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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