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Natural Stone Facades and Passive Design Techniques in a Desert Residence

Authors:
Andreea-Cristina Baciu, Ioana Lascu, Ana-carina SĂndescu, Alexia-denisa Ion
Natural Stone Facades and Passive Design Techniques in a Desert Residence

Project in-detail

Crafted with natural stone facades and designed with passive solar principles, this residence integrates seamlessly into its desert landscape while providing a functional and sustainable living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes natural stone facades for enhanced thermal performance.
02
Incorporates passive solar design to optimize energy efficiency.
03
Features large light wells that promote natural illumination.
04
Employs cross-ventilation strategies for improved air circulation.
05
Integrates indigenous landscaping to support local ecology.

### Overview

The Dune House is located in a desert environment characterized by rolling sand dunes, integrating traditional design principles with contemporary architectural sensibilities. The aim of the project is to create a residence that not only serves as a home but also provides an immersive experience reflective of its geographical context. The design emphasizes a deep connection between the internal living spaces and the external desert landscape.

### Spatial Strategy

The organization of the Dune House is defined through a deliberate arrangement of its three levels: a functional basement, a communal ground floor, and a private first floor. The basement accommodates essential storage and utility areas, ensuring that the upper levels maintain clarity and openness. The ground floor features an open-plan layout that includes the living room, dining area, and kitchen arranged around a central space, fostering interaction and visual continuity. Large windows and arched openings facilitate the flow of natural light, creating an inviting atmosphere. The first floor is dedicated to private quarters, including bedrooms and study areas, which are designed for tranquility and enhanced by balconies that offer expansive views of the surrounding landscape.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Materiality is a significant aspect of the Dune House, combining reinforced concrete for structural integrity with finishes that respond to the local climate. Textured layers improve both aesthetic appeal and environmental performance. Aluminum and glass play critical roles in achieving visual transparency and functional fluidity, while natural stone nods to local vernacular architecture. Sustainable design practices are embedded throughout, notably in the building's orientation, which maximizes passive solar gain and minimizes reliance on mechanical heating and cooling systems. Features such as rainwater harvesting and the use of indigenous landscaping further reinforce the project's commitment to environmental sustainability. Architectural elements like light wells and screens inspired by traditional mashrabiyas enhance air circulation and thermal comfort, providing a dynamic interplay of light and shadow within the interiors.

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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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