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Hydroponic Gardens and Piterak Cladding in Desert Residential Design

Author:
Tamara Mandic
Hydroponic Gardens and Piterak Cladding in Desert Residential Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing Piterak cladding and an integrated hydroponic garden, this residential design in the Al Qudra Desert emphasizes sustainable living while providing essential modern amenities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes Piterak cladding for thermal efficiency and aesthetic integration with the desert landscape.
02
Incorporates an indoor hydroponic garden to support year-round food production with minimal water use.
03
Features solar panels that generate renewable energy for the home's daily needs.
04
Designed with a circular footprint to enhance airflow and reduce energy consumption.
05
Includes a vertical car parking lift to optimize land use in a compact urban environment.

## Overview

Located in the Al Qudra Desert, west of Dubai, the project integrates modern living with sustainable practices tailored to the region’s arid climate. The design emphasizes both functionality and ecological compatibility through a distinctive geometric structure, which incorporates innovative features aimed at enhancing lifestyle while reducing environmental impact.

### Spatial Organization

The ground floor encompasses 200 m² and includes essential living spaces such as bedrooms, a kitchen, and an expansive living room, along with necessary service areas. The layout is organized around a central hallway that connects various rooms, optimizing accessibility and privacy, with each bedroom equipped with dressing areas and en-suite bathrooms. The first floor, covering 150 m², features a dining area, pantry, and an indoor hydroponic garden. This arrangement not only facilitates social interaction but also contributes to the sustainability goals by enabling food production in a water-efficient manner.

### Material Selection

The project's material palette reflects a commitment to sustainability and resilience. Recycled steel is employed for structural components, minimizing the carbon footprint while ensuring stability. Aerogel insulation enhances energy efficiency, essential for extreme temperatures, and low-emissivity (Low-E) coated glass reduces glare while maximizing natural light. Piterak® XS terracotta cladding offers thermal insulation and visual appeal, and reflective glass is strategically positioned to balance light and temperature within the structure.

Additional features include a hydroponic indoor garden that significantly reduces water consumption, a solar panel system for energy generation, and a vertical car parking lift that optimizes land use, addressing spatial challenges in urban environments. The design represents a conscientious approach to resource management and community needs, setting a precedent for sustainable living in similar contexts.

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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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