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Framing Mountain Views with Glass and Concrete in the Desert Landscape

Author:
Colt Malloy
Framing Mountain Views with Glass and Concrete in the Desert Landscape

Project in-detail

Elevated glass and concrete high rises capture panoramic mountain views while addressing urban sprawl in the desert, creating a vibrant community space for residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
High rises designed to enhance community interaction through integrated shared spaces.
02
Strategic placement captures views of the nearby Phoenix mountains.
03
Constructed with a focus on sustainability and environmental responsiveness.
04
Transparency achieved with extensive use of glass for seamless indoor-outdoor connections.
05
Concrete structures provide durability suited for the desert climate.

The project in Phoenix addresses the issues of urban sprawl and lack of identity through a careful blend of high-rise structures and the surrounding landscape. Located in a desert environment, the design concept aims to create a sense of place while meeting the needs of the community. The core idea revolves around the concept of a "Placescraper," which combines skyscraper characteristics with a focus on local context to enrich the urban experience.

Conceptual Framework

The design emphasizes the integration of buildings with their environment. High rises made of glass and concrete rise from the desert floor, forming a visual connection that reflects the identity of Phoenix. This approach highlights a need for architecture that functions economically while also resonating with the natural landscape. It seeks to create a harmonious relationship between urban life and the setting in which it exists.

Architectural Elements

Using glass and concrete is central to the execution of the design. Glass offers transparency, allowing those inside to connect with the outdoors, while enhancing the bond between interior and exterior. Concrete provides essential structural support, ensuring stability in the demanding desert climate, serving as a means of durability in the design.

Community and Connectivity

Promoting accessibility and interaction is a key aspect of the design. Spaces for the community are integrated within the framework of the high rises, making it welcoming for residents and visitors. The architecture encourages movement and engagement, allowing a sense of belonging to flourish among users.

Natural Integration

One notable feature is how the design aligns with the geography of Phoenix. The high rises are strategically placed to frame views of the nearby mountains, enhancing the experience of the landscape from various vantage points. This thoughtful arrangement emphasizes a connection between the buildings and their setting, turning the project into more than simple structures, but rather a representation of the distinctive character of the desert environment.

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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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