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Moucharabieh Facade Crafted from Palm Fronds in a Sustainable Desert Community Space

Author:
Céline Nedelcoux
Moucharabieh Facade Crafted from Palm Fronds in a Sustainable Desert Community Space

Project in-detail

Crafted with a distinctive moucharabieh facade made from palm fronds, the design effectively integrates sustainable practices within a central courtyard garden, serving as a multifaceted community space in a desert environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted from locally-sourced palm fronds, the moucharabieh facade promotes natural ventilation.
02
The tower includes multiple floating belvederes, encouraging exploration and interaction among users.
03
A central courtyard garden enhances biodiversity and serves as a microclimate buffer.
04
Solar panels are seamlessly integrated into the design to harness renewable energy.
05
The grid structure provides consistent dimensionality across all architectural elements.
Arish Tower represents a modern approach to architectural design within a desert context, combining tradition and innovation to address environmental challenges. This project focuses on sustainability and community engagement, serving as a multifunctional space that accommodates both public and private programs.

The design integrates a moucharabieh facade, which is a contemporary interpretation of traditional latticework. This facade allows for airflow and reduces solar heat gain, achieving thermal comfort without compromising aesthetics. The tower employs a grid structure, ensuring consistency in dimensions across all elements. This planning strategy facilitates structural integrity while enhancing visual coherence.

One of the unique aspects of Arish Tower is its emphasis on interaction with the environment. The incorporation of a central courtyard garden invites users to connect with nature, serving as a refuge from the harsh climate. This space not only promotes biodiversity but also enhances the user experience.

The use of materials is pivotal. Moucharabieh panels, crafted from palm fronds, add a cultural reference while promoting passive ventilation. Steel poles provide structural support without visual obstruction, and concrete frames the flooring and core elements of the tower. Additionally, solar panels are integrated into the design, underlining the project's commitment to renewable energy sources.

The design ensures that communal areas are seamlessly integrated throughout the tower, promoting social interaction and engagement among users. The layout supports various activities and fosters a sense of community, which is essential in a space intended for diverse audiences.

The Arish Tower stands out for its blend of traditional design language with modern architectural practices, demonstrating a holistic approach to building in a challenging environment. By emphasizing sustainability and community interaction, it showcases how architecture can respond to both environmental and social needs.

Interested readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas presented in this project for a more comprehensive understanding of its innovative features.
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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
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