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Geometric Patterns and Clay Brick Elements Shape a Sustainable Oasis in the Desert

Geometric Patterns and Clay Brick Elements Shape a Sustainable Oasis in the Desert

Project in-detail

Blending traditional clay brick with modern geometric patterns, the design creates an efficient oasis that optimizes outdoor living within a challenging desert environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes clay bricks for thermal mass, enhancing energy efficiency in a hot climate.
02
Incorporates geometric patterns for both aesthetic appeal and passive ventilation.
03
Features extensive outdoor living spaces integrated with natural water elements.
04
Employs wooden mashrabiya for privacy and sun shading throughout the structure.
05
Maximizes roof space with solar panels while offering panoramic desert views.

## Overview

Located in a desert environment, the Future Villa project addresses the challenges inherent in arid climates while integrating contemporary architectural practices with sustainable design solutions. The design seeks to harmonize the structure with its rugged surroundings, creating a retreat that enhances comfort and aesthetic appeal for its residents. With a total area of 450 square meters, including a built area of 350 square meters, the villa responds to the extreme temperature variations and limited water resources characteristic of desert regions.

## Architectural Integration and User Engagement

The design prioritizes seamless interaction with the natural landscape through large openings, terraces, and strategically placed courtyards. These elements facilitate improved ventilation and light penetration, promoting an indoor-outdoor lifestyle that enhances social interaction among occupants. Sheltered courtyards offer shaded areas that mitigate heat exposure, while rooftop terraces provide leisure spaces with panoramic views, contributing to a comprehensive user experience. The incorporation of water features serves both aesthetic and functional purposes, naturally cooling the environment and creating focal points within the property.

## Material Selection and Sustainability

Materiality plays a crucial role in the villa’s design, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsiveness. Wood is utilized in decorative mashrabiya elements for its thermal insulation and durability, while paint selection is focused on enhancing aesthetic quality and regulating internal temperatures. Wood-based composites are employed for their eco-friendly properties, and clay bricks are used to capitalize on their natural design benefits, further aligning with the sustainable goals of the villa. This careful selection of materials underscores the project’s dedication to creating an environmentally attuned living space.

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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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