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Fibonacci-Inspired Spiral Structure With Trombe Walls and Sustainable Materials in a Desert Ecosystem

Author:
Stéphan G. Hoornaert
Fibonacci-Inspired Spiral Structure With Trombe Walls and Sustainable Materials in a Desert Ecosystem

Project in-detail

A Fibonacci-inspired spiral form integrates trombe walls and local vegetation to create an educational facility that promotes environmental awareness within a challenging desert landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Fibonacci spiral form enhances spatial flow and connection to nature.
02
Trombe walls provide passive solar heating to regulate building temperature.
03
Integration of local vegetation supports biodiversity and microclimate creation.
04
Suspended walkway offers panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape.
05
Observation tower serves as an educational platform for astronomy and ecology.

### Project Overview
Located in a desert landscape, the URAEUS 0610 project integrates environmental considerations with modern educational needs. The design addresses the challenges of its context by transforming the arid environment into a nurturing space for learning and exploration. Through a conceptual framework that reflects the Fibonacci sequence, the architecture emphasizes growth and connection to nature, drawing on elements of ancient Egyptian heritage to create a dialogue between the built environment and its surroundings.

### Spatial Configuration and Campus Integration
The facility comprises three interconnected campuses, each embodying distinct ecological microclimates that foster educational interactions. The first campus features a lush garden at its core, serving as an entry point and microclimate that enhances visitor engagement. The second campus introduces varying ecosystems with interactive spaces designed to deepen understanding of environmental science. The third campus culminates at a higher elevation, providing panoramic views of the desert landscape, thereby promoting an awareness of the interconnectedness of technology and ecology.

### Material Selection and Sustainability Strategies
Materials selected for URAEUS 0610 prioritize both sustainability and functionality. Glass is utilized in the observation tower and expansive windows to maximize natural light and visual transparency, while concrete provides structural durability. Wood finishes contribute warmth and invite human interaction within the space. Integrated vegetation and soil not only support cooling but also encourage biodiversity, while water features enhance the aesthetic and practical aspects of the design, addressing water's vital role in the desert ecosystem. The architectural strategies implemented, including bioclimatic elements such as trombe walls for passive solar heating, reinforce the project's commitment to low-tech sustainability in harmony with high-tech solutions.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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