Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Natural Harmony Achieved Through Earth-Based Materials and Organic Forms in Desert Living

Authors:
Dashdamirli Narmin , Tatiana Badygova, Maryam Mahamud, Alvioletta Geraldine Setiadjie
Natural Harmony Achieved Through Earth-Based Materials and Organic Forms in Desert Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing adobe and rammed earth, the design seamlessly integrates organic forms with local climate considerations to create a sustainable residence that fosters indoor-outdoor living in the Tunisian desert.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes local adobe and rammed earth to enhance thermal regulation in a desert climate.
02
Incorporates windcatchers to facilitate natural ventilation and reduce reliance on mechanical cooling.
03
Features organic shapes that mimic the surrounding desert landscape, promoting visual harmony.
04
Includes large glass openings for abundant natural light while minimizing glare and heat.
05
Design integrates dedicated light pipes, channeling daylight into interior spaces for year-round illumination.

## Overview

Located in the oasis of Chebika, Tunisia, the project reflects a thoughtful synthesis of contemporary and traditional architectural principles. The intent is to create a home that fosters a strong connection with the surrounding desert landscape while prioritizing occupant comfort and well-being.

## Spatial Strategy

The layout features fluid, organic shapes that depart from conventional designs. Functional areas include a living/dining space that serves as a central gathering point and a transitional area that enhances cross-ventilation between indoor and outdoor environments. A dedicated office space provides a tranquil work area, while the bedroom and bathroom are designed as personal retreats, ensuring privacy and comfort. This non-linear arrangement is inspired by the surrounding topography, promoting a dynamic flow throughout the spaces.

## Materiality and Environmental Integration

The design employs a combination of traditional Tunisian building materials and modern sustainable practices. Earth-based materials, such as adobe and rammed earth, are utilized for walls to enhance thermal comfort and stability. Concrete elements contribute to the structural integrity and durability of the home, while large glass openings facilitate natural light and visual connectivity to the exterior. Wood elements in windows and furnishings introduce warmth and a tactile quality to the interior spaces.

Innovative strategies for natural light and ventilation are central to the design. Windcatchers are incorporated to capture cooling breezes and improve indoor air quality, while strategically positioned light pipes channel natural light into the interiors. This approach not only optimizes illumination with varying qualities of light throughout the day but also minimizes glare, enhancing the overall living experience.

The project stands as a demonstration of how modern design can harmoniously coexist with traditional techniques, reinforcing the relationship between the built environment and its natural context.

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

`
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

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