Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Micro-Cement Facades and Green Roofs in a Modern Desert Residence

Author:
Ana Javakhishvili
Micro-Cement Facades and Green Roofs in a Modern Desert Residence

Project in-detail

Incorporating micro-cement facades and green roofs, the residence is designed to seamlessly integrate with the desert environment while providing sustainable living solutions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates micro-cement facades that mimic desert textures.
02
Features expansive glass walls for enhanced natural light and ventilation.
03
Designed with a green roof to promote biodiversity and thermal regulation.
04
Includes flexible spaces that adapt to various functions and gatherings.
05
Utilizes reflective composite panels to minimize heat absorption.

### Overview

Located within a desert environment, the design embodies the notion of a contemporary residence that prioritizes sustainability while integrating with the unique geographical context. The intention is to create a cohesive relationship between modern living and natural surroundings, with particular attention to material selection and spatial organization to reflect the characteristics of the desert landscape.

### Spatial Configuration

The residence features a two-level layout that facilitates connectivity among its various zones.

- **Ground Floor**: The entry hall serves as a transitional space that links indoor and outdoor areas. This level comprises a spacious living room that seamlessly connects to the kitchen and outdoor patios through sliding glass doors, promoting natural light and cross-ventilation. Private outdoor spaces, such as gardens, enhance the openness typical of desert environments.

- **Upper Floor**: Designed primarily for private living, this level includes bedrooms with generous terraces that serve as outdoor leisure areas. The master bedroom is equipped with a private pool, contributing to both relaxation and thermal comfort. The layout incorporates circular forms that create fluid transitions between interior and exterior spaces, ultimately fostering a lifestyle conducive to outdoor living.

### Material Selection

The materials chosen for the residence strengthen its connection to the desert while maintaining a modern aesthetic:

1. **Micro-Cement**: Used on walls and surfaces to replicate the texture of sand, enhancing the theme of natural beauty.
2. **Stained Glass Windows**: Large windows with reflective properties allow for dynamic light play within interiors and provide unobtrusive views of the landscape.
3. **Reflective Surface Composite Panels**: These facade materials are designed to reflect the harsh desert light, creating a visually distinct exterior that adapts to environmental changes.
4. **Green Roofs**: These features improve thermal regulation and water retention, promoting energy efficiency and supporting local biodiversity.

The design ensures a focused integration with nature, effective use of resources, and adaptability to the surrounding desert environment. The result is a residence that harmonizes modern luxury and functionality while minimizing ecological impact.

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

`

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