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Embracing Natural Textures with Adobe Bricks and Timber Screens in Desert Living

Authors:
Mohamed Nabeel Jaafar Abdulnabi Alzeera, Jomin Ittoop Puthoor, Noor Ali Husain Abdulkarim Alshehabi
Embracing Natural Textures with Adobe Bricks and Timber Screens in Desert Living

Project in-detail

With natural adobe bricks and timber screens seamlessly integrated into the design, the residence harmonizes with the desert environment, offering functional living spaces that prioritize sustainability and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Natural adobe bricks provide thermal regulation suited for the desert climate.
02
Timber screens offer privacy while enhancing airflow and shading.
03
An expansive rooftop terrace integrates greenery with living spaces.
04
The design mimics the organic forms of sand dunes, fostering a sense of place.
05
Communal courtyards encourage social interaction and community engagement.

### Overview
Located in the shifting desert landscape of the UAE, the design integrates contemporary architecture with a deep respect for the region's cultural heritage and natural environment. The intent is to create a living space that balances aesthetic sophistication with functional needs, resonating with the surrounding geography while accommodating modern lifestyles.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The project's material palette emphasizes both aesthetic qualities and functionality, specifically tailored to address the challenges of the desert climate. Adobe bricks have been selected for their thermal regulation properties, aligning with traditional building practices. Natural plaster enhances interior warmth and fosters a connection to the environment. Additionally, timber screens provide shade and privacy, while glass panels facilitate the entry of natural light and offer expansive views of the desert landscape. The integration of metal frameworks introduces a modern structural element, reinforcing the project's commitment to sustainability and occupant comfort.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience
The spatial arrangement is meticulously designed to enhance interaction while maintaining privacy. The ground floor features a vibrant living area and a formal sitting space, with an outdoor courtyard that extends the interior, integrating greenery for improved quality of life. The first floor houses private quarters, allowing for family connections while ensuring individual privacy. The upper levels culminate in a landscaped roof terrace, providing additional communal and relaxation opportunities. This thoughtful spatial planning not only contributes to an engaging living experience but also fosters a sense of community among residents.

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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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