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Modular Lodging in Desert Climate Utilizing Local Limestone and Flexible Palm Fronds

Authors:
Brandon r. Smith, Adrian Arief, Innocent Muhalia
Modular Lodging in Desert Climate Utilizing Local Limestone and Flexible Palm Fronds

Project in-detail

Utilizing locally sourced limestone and flexible palm fronds, the design adapts to the desert environment, creating communal and private spaces for sustainable lodging that reflects the region's cultural heritage.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes local limestone to enhance thermal mass and sustainability.
02
Features flexible palm fronds that provide natural shading and ventilation.
03
Incorporates modular design to adapt structures based on seasonal needs.
04
Embodies cultural heritage through traditional Bedouin architectural elements.
05
Integrates a gray water recycling system for efficient water management.

"Drifting Oases" is an architectural project situated in a desert context, drawing its inspiration from traditional Bedouin structures. It's designed to offer a sustainable lodging experience, emphasizing adaptability to the harsh environmental conditions while reflecting cultural significance. The project aims to create a unique symbiosis between architecture and nature, making it both functional and culturally relevant.

Adaptability and Sustainability This project stands out due to its modular design, allowing for reconfiguration based on seasonal shifts and user requirements. The structures utilize locally sourced materials such as limestone, woven fabrics, steel, and palm fronds. This choice promotes ecological responsibility while echoing the traditional Bedouin lifestyle. The integration of a gray water recycling system further supports sustainability, ensuring minimal environmental impact.

Community-Centric Design The layout of "Drifting Oases" emphasizes communal interaction while providing personal retreats. Shared spaces, such as a radial communal hub, promote social gatherings, while the reclusive hubs are arranged to offer privacy and connection to the surrounding environment. This layering of spaces enhances the overall user experience while encouraging a sense of community and belonging.

Exploration of Architectural Plans and Details For a comprehensive understanding of "Drifting Oases," reviewing the architectural plans, sections, and designs is essential. The specifics of the material choices and structural organization reveal a commitment to blending aesthetic appeal with functional performance. The architectural ideas implemented in this project illustrate a practical approach to environmental challenges. Readers are encouraged to explore these elements further to gain deeper insights into the project and its innovative approach to desert architecture.

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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

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