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High-Insulated Desert Housing with Tadelakt Finishes

Authors:
Melissa Di giovanni, Marco d’Oltremare, Gabriele d’Oltremare, Paola Ardizzola
High-Insulated Desert Housing with Tadelakt Finishes

Project in-detail

Designed with high-insulated glass and finished with Tadelakt, the dwelling provides comfort and protection while integrating seamlessly into the harsh desert landscape as a sustainable housing solution.
5 key facts about this project
01
High-insulated glass minimizes heat transfer and maximizes stargazing opportunities.
02
Tadelakt finishes provide a unique aesthetic while enhancing moisture resistance.
03
The structure's geodesic design promotes natural ventilation throughout the interior.
04
Photovoltaic flooring generates renewable energy while ensuring maintenance access.
05
Grid windows, inspired by Middle Eastern tradition, regulate sunlight and airflow.

The design is set in a desert landscape, where it interacts closely with the natural surroundings. The housing module is carefully positioned to blend with its environment, emphasizing horizontal lines that reflect the wide-open desert. By drawing inspiration from traditional building forms, the design tackles the challenges of harsh climate conditions while focusing on sustainability and comfort.

Conceptual Framework

The concept centers on viewing the desert as a source of knowledge. Horizontal alignment echoes the landscape, ensuring the structure feels connected to the earth. The design is influenced by traditional hypogeal and patio houses, offering shelter from the elements while also being open to the desert's beauty. This approach fosters a strong connection between the occupants and their environment.

Spatial Organization

The arrangement of the spaces is planned to support natural airflow and thermal comfort. A geodesic structure provides stability and encourages ventilation throughout the interiors. Careful consideration is given to the placement of windows and openings, allowing natural light to fill the living areas while still maintaining privacy. This balance of open and enclosed spaces creates a comfortable living environment, even in challenging weather conditions.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability is at the forefront of the design. Important features include a skylight observatory made of high-insulated glass, which reduces heat transfer and allows for star gazing. Additionally, the use of photovoltaic flooring contributes to energy generation through walkable tiles, which also facilitate maintenance access. Light-gauge steel framing and aqua panels finished with Tadelakt plaster enhance durability and align with sustainable building practices.

Architectural Detailing

Details within the design reflect thoughtful consideration of both appearance and practicality. Grid windows draw on Middle Eastern architectural traditions. They help control sunlight and improve airflow, creating a comfortable atmosphere indoors. The furnishings are designed to be temporary, echoing nomadic lifestyles while inviting interaction with the environment. These details enhance the overall experience, encouraging a deep engagement with the desert setting and the design it has inspired.

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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
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