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 Insulation from Date Palm Wood and Biophilic Elements in a Modern Residential Oasis

Author:
Roberto Rangel Sanchez
Natural Insulation from Date Palm Wood and Biophilic Elements in a Modern Residential Oasis

Project in-detail

Crafted with date palm wood for natural insulation and integrated with lush biophilic elements, the design offers a modern residential oasis that prioritizes sustainable living and a strong connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with date palm wood, providing natural insulation and connecting to local heritage.
02
Features a central courtyard that enhances natural light and cross ventilation throughout the home.
03
Incorporates water features in the landscape, promoting biodiversity and enhancing outdoor aesthetics.
04
Utilizes a modular date palm beam panel system, allowing for future adaptability in design.
05
Blends modern elements with traditional materials, emphasizing sustainability in urban living.

### Overview

Located in Dubai, UAE, the Al-Oasis House exemplifies contemporary architectural design informed by the region's natural heritage and traditional building methods. The project aims to create a living environment that integrates cultural representation with modern functionality, serving as a tranquil refuge within the urban context. The design reflects a commitment to sustainability, privacy, and communal connectivity, while embracing the concept of an "oasis," providing a calming retreat from the surrounding environment.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The architectural identity of the Al-Oasis House is defined by the strategic selection of materials that harmonize with the local context:

1. **Date Palm Wood**: This material features prominently in the exterior, offering natural insulation while paying tribute to the area's architectural roots.

2. **White Stucco**: Utilized in interiors, it aids temperature control and provides a modern aesthetic that complements the organic finish of the palm wood.

3. **Glass**: Expansive glazed sections facilitate abundant natural light, enhancing the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

4. **Polished Stone**: Dark polished stone in the interior spaces reflects the calming qualities of nearby water elements, contributing to the overall serene atmosphere.

5. **Structural Steel**: Employed in critical structural elements, this material adds modernity and stability to the overall design.

6. **Landscaping**: The integration of greenery and palm trees fosters biodiversity and creates shaded microclimates around the residence.

### Spatial Organization

The Al-Oasis House features a carefully articulated layout across two levels, designed to balance communal and private spaces effectively:

- **Ground Floor**: An open-plan design incorporates living, dining, and social areas, with a central courtyard that allows natural light and airflow to enhance usability. Practical considerations are met with three car slots that blend aesthetic appeal with functionality.

- **First Floor**: This level is dedicated to private living quarters, with careful positioning to ensure privacy while maintaining visual connections to the surrounding greenery.

The project also incorporates unique elements such as integrated water bodies and a modular date palm beam panel system, promoting sustainable practices and flexible design adaptations for future needs. The design provides a balance of privacy and openness, allowing for interactive living without excessive partitioning.

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
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
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