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Passive Cooling Strategy With Roof Ponds and Compressed Earth Blocks Creating Sustainable Living

Passive Cooling Strategy With Roof Ponds and Compressed Earth Blocks Creating Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Incorporating compressed earth blocks and innovative roof ponds for passive cooling, the design creates a sustainable living environment that harmonizes with the arid landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates roof ponds for passive cooling, enhancing thermoregulation.
02
Constructed with locally sourced compressed earth blocks to minimize environmental impact.
03
Features an innovative layout prioritizing communal living while preserving privacy.
04
Utilizes recycled water systems for efficient resource management.
05
Employs traditional architectural elements to reflect local cultural heritage.

## Overview

Situated in a desert environment, the Desert Rose House is designed to reflect the resilience of the desert rose plant while integrating ecological considerations with local cultural elements. The architectural intent revolves around creating a harmonious relationship between the built form, the natural landscape, and the experiences of its occupants. Through an examination of various design components, materials, and environmental strategies, the project showcases a commitment to sustainability and cultural relevance.

## Spatial Strategy

The layout of the Desert Rose House effectively balances communal and private spaces. Central to this arrangement is the incorporation of courtyards, specifically the sahn, which fosters social interaction while allowing for transitions into more secluded living areas. Arches and shaded zones facilitate fluidity between interior and exterior spaces, aligning with traditional Arabian architectural practices. This spatial organization invites users to engage with both communal and private aspects of living, enhancing the overall experience within the home.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The material selection emphasizes local and sustainable resources to optimize thermal performance and cultural integrity. Key elements include compressed earth blocks for the walls, mud bricks for enhanced insulation, and systems for recycled water use, all of which reduce the overall carbon footprint. Solar panels are strategically positioned to maximize energy efficiency, while frosted glass windows ensure natural light entry with maintained privacy. The innovative inclusion of roof ponds serves as passive cooling mechanisms, utilizing natural processes to regulate indoor temperatures, further underscoring the design's commitment to environmental sustainability.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
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