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Foldable Canvas Roof and Perspex Views in Sustainable Desert Living

Authors:
Annicka Duvenhage, Casey Dibakoane
Foldable Canvas Roof and Perspex Views in Sustainable Desert Living

Project in-detail

A foldable canvas roof offers unique stargazing opportunities while providing a sustainable living environment that integrates perspex views of the surrounding desert, fulfilling the needs of modern residents seeking comfort and connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Foldable canvas roof allows for stargazing and open-air living.
02
Perspex bubble provides panoramic views of the desert landscape.
03
Water collection system efficiently utilizes rainwater for sustainability.
04
Separate unit types cater to varying levels of luxury and space.
05
Open dining area promotes interaction with nature during meals.

The Desert Flower project is located in a desert landscape, showcasing a design that connects living spaces with nature. The central idea revolves around a foldable canvas roof, which allows residents to enjoy the outdoors while maintaining comfort indoors. This feature creates opportunities for stargazing and enhances the experience of living in a natural setting. The project aims to combine functionality with an inviting atmosphere, making it suitable for those seeking a retreat within the desert.

Foldable Roof Design

The foldable canvas roof is a key component of the design, providing both flexibility and shelter. It can be folded to one side, opening up the living space to the sky while protecting residents from the sun when closed. This adaptable feature caters to different weather conditions and encourages deeper engagement with the surrounding landscape. Residents can enjoy a personal connection to the vastness of the desert, feeling immersed in their environment.

Water Collection System

A water collection system is incorporated into the project, utilizing PVC pipes connected to the roof structure. This system captures rainwater and makes it available for use in the units, promoting sustainable living practices. Steel cables offer support to the roof, ensuring stability and function. The thoughtful design reflects a commitment to resource management, essential in a desert area where water is scarce.

Interior Layout and Amenities

The layout includes designated areas for living, bathing, sleeping, and outdoor space, fostering comfort and privacy. The dining area allows for indoor or outdoor meals, creating opportunities for residents to engage with nature during their dining experience. This configuration encourages social interaction, enhancing the community feel within the living spaces. Every area is designed to maximize usability while providing a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Unit Variations

There are two types of units: standard and VIP, each sharing a consistent design language. The VIP units are more spacious and feature additional amenities, such as a shower with expansive views of the desert. The thoughtful arrangement of spaces allows residents to enjoy their surroundings while accommodating their specific needs.

A perspex bubble enhances the experience by framing views of the desert. It opens up the interiors to the outside world, inviting a natural light and a sense of tranquility. This design choice supports the goal of bringing the beauty of the landscape into the living experience.

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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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