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Natural Cooling Systems Enhanced by Prefabricated Panels in Sustainable Desert Housing

Authors:
Paul Bo Peng, Ying Peng, Zhuoyi Ao, Hong Pan, Xing Zhang
Natural Cooling Systems Enhanced by Prefabricated Panels in Sustainable Desert Housing

Project in-detail

Utilizing thermal mass materials and modular prefabricated designs, the development creates a sustainable oasis that fosters community interaction while adapting to the challenges of desert living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Sustainable modular units are designed for easy expansion and adaptation to community needs.
02
Natural cooling is achieved through a centralized courtyard that enhances airflow and temperature regulation.
03
Prefabricated panels significantly reduce on-site construction time and resource use.
04
Integrated solar technology powers common areas, promoting energy independence.
05
Water-efficient systems recycle rainwater and greywater for landscape irrigation.

### Project Overview
Located in Dubai, the Desert Oasis project represents an architectural solution to the specific challenges posed by the desert environment. This development is designed to integrate human habitation into the surrounding landscape while prioritizing sustainability and community interaction. Inspired by the concept of an oasis, the design seeks to create spaces that provide refuge and support communal life amid the harsh climate.

### Spatial Configuration and Community Engagement
The layout of the development is strategically planned, with residential units arranged to foster a sense of unity reminiscent of an oasis. Positioned in southeastern Dubai, the site benefits from easier access and naturally mitigates harsh desert winds through thoughtful building orientation. The modular design allows for ongoing adaptability, accommodating future community needs. Central courtyards and shared spaces encourage social interaction, reinforcing connections among residents within a communal framework.

### Material Selection and Energy Innovations
Materials have been carefully chosen to balance aesthetic appeal with functional performance. Prefabricated panels facilitate rapid assembly, while thermal mass materials, including concrete and insulated glass, enhance heat management. Green roofs and high-performance glass contribute to energy efficiency by providing insulation and maximizing natural light. The incorporation of photovoltaic systems enables the buildings to generate a substantial portion of their own energy, while water conservation features, such as rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling, support sustainability in an arid context.

The interior design reflects a fusion of traditional Middle Eastern elements and modern aesthetics, incorporating open-plan layouts and expansive windows to enhance natural light and airflow. Community spaces integrated throughout the development further promote social interaction and engagement among residents.

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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

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