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Light Steel Greenhouse Integrated into a Desert Oasis

Authors:
Salma sofia Abuid, Ignacio Loscertales, Francesca Mancini, Mateo Perez
Light Steel Greenhouse Integrated into a Desert Oasis

Project in-detail

A light steel greenhouse, set against a modified topography of an arid landscape, provides an immersive connection to nature while serving as a restaurant and space for visitors to engage with the surrounding environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
A tree-like canopy captures rainwater for irrigation, promoting efficient water management.
02
Underground seating areas create a unique dining experience while enhancing thermal comfort.
03
Geothermal heating provides a sustainable solution for climate control in a desert environment.
04
The elongated hill design obscures the parking lot, focusing visitor attention on the greenhouse.
05
Increased glazing on south-facing facades maximizes natural daylighting and connection to the landscape.

Set in a dry desert landscape, the design integrates a restaurant with a greenhouse, offering an inviting space for visitors. The concept emphasizes a strong connection with the surroundings, allowing the architecture to serve not just practical functions but also to enhance the visual experience of the site. As one approaches, the organic shape of the greenhouse stands out, guiding visitors through a carefully planned route that moves from the parking area to the central spaces.

Architectural Integration

The project takes advantage of the landscape by modifying the topography. An elongated hill obscures views of the existing parking lot, redirecting attention toward the greenhouse. This design choice creates a path that gradually reveals the oasis, inviting exploration and discovery. Visitors travel along a journey that enhances their experience of the space, making each step an opportunity to engage with the natural environment.

Sustainable Practices

The design reflects a commitment to sustainability through various energy-efficient strategies. A geothermal heating system captures hot water from underground sources, which then circulates through the floors of the restaurant for heating. This method reduces dependence on more conventional energy sources and provides a consistent indoor temperature. If additional heat is needed, a biomass boiler offers an alternative, maintaining comfort regardless of the external climate.

Water Management

The project also emphasizes responsible water management. Rainwater is collected by a structured canopy that resembles a tree, channeling water into pillars where it is stored in underground tanks. This approach uses natural resources efficiently to support irrigation in the greenhouse. By harnessing rainwater, the design addresses the challenges of operating in a dry environment while promoting ecological practices.

Material Considerations

The selection of materials contributes to the project's character. The greenhouse is framed by a light steel structure that supports its distinctive shape, while concrete is used in the interiors for strength and effective thermal regulation. These materials reinforce the connection between the built environment and the landscape, underpinning the project's design philosophy.

The entrance to the restaurant offers an engaging experience as visitors move beneath the ground, providing glimpses of the lush surroundings. This journey encapsulates the design intention, fostering a deeper connection between the architecture and nature, while inviting people to enjoy the oasis created within the desert landscape.

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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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