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Louvered Blinds and Solar Panels in a Flexible Desert Habitat

Author:
Rita Balogh
Louvered Blinds and Solar Panels in a Flexible Desert Habitat

Project in-detail

With a design centered around passive cooling through louvered blinds and solar panel integration, this flexible desert habitat exemplifies sustainable living while providing essential comfort and functionality for its inhabitants.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a roof integrated with solar panels to maximize energy efficiency.
02
Incorporates louvered blinds designed for natural ventilation and heat control.
03
Constructed with AAC blocks, enhancing thermal insulation and lightweight design.
04
Includes dedicated garden spaces for vegetable cultivation adjacent to living areas.
05
Features an expandable layout to accommodate future needs of residents.

## Project Overview

The House of the Future is located in a desert region where its design prioritizes sustainability and functionality within a harsh climate. Drawing inspiration from traditional desert dwellings while incorporating contemporary architectural techniques, the project aims to create a harmonious blend of aesthetics and practicality. The architectural intent focuses on energy efficiency and cultural relevance, utilizing innovative materials to address environmental challenges distinctive to the area.

## Structural Configuration and Materiality

The building employs a masonry reinforced concrete pillar frame, providing a robust structural foundation that allows for future flexibility in the ground plan. The roof is designed to accommodate solar panels, underscoring the commitment to renewable energy sources. Natural ventilation strategies have been integrated to promote air circulation, facilitating cooler environments within living spaces.

A variety of materials have been carefully chosen for their durability and sustainability, including reinforced concrete blocks for the structural frame, insulated standing seam sandwich panels for roofing, and autoclaved aerated concrete blocks for the facade. Double-glazed units enhance energy performance, while mineral wool insulation contributes to both thermal and acoustic efficiency.

## Spatial Arrangement and User Experience

The organization of internal spaces reflects a systematic approach that balances privacy and communal interaction. The ground floor features designated living areas, bedrooms, and garden spaces, promoting both family engagement and personal retreat. On the first floor, additional bedrooms and workspaces encourage collaboration among residents, maintaining a functional layout that adapts to daily activities.

Noteworthy features include louvred blinds, which facilitate the collection of morning mist for irrigation, and an attic space designed for passive cooling, enhancing indoor comfort without excessive reliance on mechanical systems. The design's inherent flexibility allows for future modifications to adapt to the evolving needs of its occupants, ensuring long-term usability and relevance.

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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

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
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