Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Geometric Patterns and Local Stone Merge in A Sustainable Desert Home

Author:
Arnaldo Pompei
Geometric Patterns and Local Stone Merge in A Sustainable Desert Home

Project in-detail

Crafted from regional stone and enhanced by intricate geometric patterns, the design fosters natural ventilation and energy efficiency within a residential space located in a desert environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates traditional mashrabiya screens for natural ventilation and privacy.
02
Locally sourced stone is used for exterior cladding, enhancing environmental integration.
03
The structure utilizes prefabricated steel components to streamline construction efficiency.
04
Geometric patterns in the façade reflect local cultural motifs while providing shade.
05
Rainwater harvesting systems are integrated for sustainable water management.

### Overview
Located in a landscape characterized by arid conditions and dramatic topography, the Diamond project seeks to integrate environmental stewardship with cultural heritage. The design reflects an intention to harmonize traditional architectural forms with modern engineering techniques, utilizing local resources to create a structure that remains relevant to its ecological and cultural context.

### Spatial Organization
The layout comprises three distinct levels, each defined by its functional purpose. The ground floor facilitates independent access to both a Majlis, a cultural gathering space, and private residential areas, alongside essential utility functions such as a garage and laundry. The first floor is predominantly residential, offering expansive views and communal living spaces. The second floor prioritizes privacy in personal areas while maintaining visual connections to the surrounding landscape, promoting interaction with nature and accommodating social customs.

### Material Selection
Construction materials emphasize both sustainability and local sourcing. The ground floor utilizes reinforced concrete to ensure structural integrity, while prefabricated steel elements enhance construction efficiency and flexibility. Cladding made from local stones resonates with the desert landscape, underscoring a commitment to environmentally responsible practices. Additional features, such as mineral wool insulation and advanced environmental protection systems, contribute to the building's energy efficiency and durability. The design incorporates both traditional Islamic motifs and modern aesthetics through the use of geometric patterns and angular formations, creating a distinct visual identity that bridges past and present.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy