Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Moisture-Capturing Architecture Featuring Photovoltaic Panels and Local Stone in a Desert Community Hub

Authors:
Ryo Murata, Miho Takahashi, Minato Hashimoto, Wakana Takahashi
Moisture-Capturing Architecture Featuring Photovoltaic Panels and Local Stone in a Desert Community Hub

Project in-detail

Harnessing atmospheric moisture through innovative water-collection systems and built with local stone, this community hub redefines sustainable living in the desert while serving as a central gathering place for residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes atmospheric water collection systems to address local water scarcity.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels that optimize structural performance while reducing carbon footprint.
04
Designed with large glass openings to enhance natural light and connect indoor spaces with the desert landscape.
05
Includes a central community plaza that promotes social interaction and communal activities.
The project is an architectural design known as "Drip Ecology," located in a desert environment, particularly aimed at addressing the pressing challenges of water scarcity and sustainable living. This architectural endeavor not only offers a functional response to its arid context but also represents a conscious effort to harmonize human existence with the surrounding ecosystem. The project's significance lies in its innovative methods of water management and energy production, emphasizing the interdependence of community, nature, and thoughtful design.

Drip Ecology functions primarily as a community hub, providing a space that facilitates both residential accommodation and communal amenities. The layout of the project is organized around a central plaza, which serves as a gathering place for residents and visitors. Radiating from this hub are various structures, including individual lodging units, common areas, and landscaped gardens designed to enhance social interaction while offering private retreats for relaxation and repose. This arrangement promotes an ethos of community living, where people can easily engage and share experiences.

The architectural design reflects a comprehensive understanding of materiality, with significant attention given to local resources. Wood, stone, glass, and photovoltaic panels are utilized throughout the project. The wooden elements lend a sense of warmth and flexibility to the spaces, creating inviting atmospheres conducive to socialization. Stone is strategically used to optimize thermal insulation, providing a natural barrier against the desert's extreme temperatures. Large glass panels offer transparency, fostering connections between indoor and outdoor environments while inviting ample natural light.

A unique aspect of Drip Ecology is its innovative water harvesting techniques, which are central to the overall design. Roof-mounted systems are incorporated to capture atmospheric moisture, feeding into a network of reservoirs that ensures a sustainable water supply. This approach not only addresses the critical issue of water scarcity in desert climates but also exemplifies how architecture can contribute to ecological resilience. Additionally, the energy systems designed for the project prioritize renewable energy sources, with solar panels integrated into the design, promoting a low-carbon footprint and reducing dependence on non-renewable energy.

The aesthetics of the project aim to create a dialogue with the natural landscape. The design incorporates large openings and terraces that frame views of the expansive desert and clear night skies, allowing residents to engage with the environment at various times of the day. This intentional positioning reinforces the notion of biophilic design, supporting both ecological health and the well-being of inhabitants.

In summary, Drip Ecology embodies a thoughtful response to the specific challenges posed by its environment while advocating for sustainable practices in architecture. The project highlights the importance of innovative water and energy systems, the use of local materials, and the creation of spaces that nurture social connections. For those interested in understanding more about the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that inform this significant project, exploring the detailed presentations available will provide invaluable insights into its conception and execution. This exploration invites readers and professionals alike to appreciate the meticulous relationship between architecture and the ecological framework it operates within.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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 16544 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