Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Inflatable Fabric Structures for Desert Water Collection and Community Living

Author:
Kenza Benkirane
Inflatable Fabric Structures for Desert Water Collection and Community Living

Project in-detail

Inflatable structures harness dew collection techniques to create sustainable living spaces in a desert environment, facilitating both community interaction and essential water services.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inflatable roof materials allow for compact transportation and quick deployment in remote areas.
02
The structure's design optimizes dew condensation for effective water collection.
03
Thermal comfort is maintained through a cooling system using inflatable solar panels.
04
The layout promotes community interaction with shared common spaces and individual lodges.
05
Gutters channel collected water to ensure clean storage for sanitation and drinking.

The design is situated in a harsh desert environment and draws inspiration from how desert beetles gather moisture. It focuses on sustainability and creating flexible living spaces that tackle water scarcity. The concept features an inflatable structure that can be easily transported and quickly set up, making it appropriate for remote areas. This approach emphasizes environmental responsibility while ensuring essential services like sanitation and cooling are accessible.

Water Collection System

A central feature of the design is an innovative water collection system that captures both dew and rainwater, which are essential for sanitation and cooling. The structure's irregular shape maximizes the surface area in contact with the air, allowing for effective condensation. Water vapor from the atmosphere condenses on the cool surfaces, forming droplets that are directed through specialized gutters. These gutters help keep the collected water clean and safe for drinking and hygiene, reinforcing the project’s commitment to holistic sustainability.

Thermal Comfort and Energy Efficiency

The structure is filled with cold air, which is then cooled by a system that uses fans powered by inflatable solar panels. This system provides effective temperature regulation, ensuring that the living spaces remain comfortable throughout the year. The roof is made of two types of inflatable fabric: white for thermal insulation and transparent for light and views of the night sky. This design element enhances the living experience and connects residents with the surrounding environment.

Spatial Organization

Each ecolodge is designed with function and comfort in mind. The layout includes essential areas such as a terrace, entrance, bathroom, toilet, washer unit, bedroom, living room, wardrobe, and desk. This arrangement makes efficient use of the space while fostering a sense of community among occupants.

In addition to the lodges, a common hub serves as a social gathering space. It contains areas for reception, additional toilets, storage, a kitchen, dining space, and a stage for events. This communal area encourages interaction, promoting social engagement among visitors.

The design’s unique roof structure effectively balances temperature control with an inviting atmosphere, enhancing the connection to the natural environment. Each aspect aims to provide both comfort and functionality in a challenging desert setting.

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