Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Patterns of Shade Created with Natural Plaster and Thermal Mass in a Desert Residence

Authors:
Juwon Lee, Lee Hyeon Hwa
Patterns of Shade Created with Natural Plaster and Thermal Mass in a Desert Residence

Project in-detail

Crafted with thick insulating walls and strategically placed wind towers, the design fosters ventilation and natural cooling in a climate-responsive residential space that embraces outdoor living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Thick insulated walls provide significant thermal mass for energy efficiency.
02
Wind towers facilitate natural ventilation and cooling throughout the residence.
03
Patterned screens enhance privacy while allowing airflow and natural light.
04
Strategically integrated terraced gardens promote biodiversity and outdoor engagement.
05
Use of local materials supports sustainability and cultural relevance in design.

### Project Overview
"Breath Into the Desert" is situated in the United Arab Emirates, where it addresses the region’s distinct climatic challenges while fostering a balance between privacy and openness. The project aims to create an environment that emphasizes the interaction between indoor and outdoor spaces, integrating protective features with areas designed for observation and relaxation.

### Spatial Strategy and Layout
The design incorporates thick walls to provide shelter from the harsh external environment while creating intimate spaces within. Large observation windows facilitate natural ventilation and visual connections with the outside, without compromising privacy. The layout is carefully structured, with living and dining areas arranged in open plans to promote fluidity and versatility. Private quarters are strategically distanced from common areas, ensuring tranquility. Additional elements such as wind towers enhance indoor air quality by directing refreshing breezes into living spaces.

### Materiality and Sustainability
Material selection plays a critical role in the project's performance and aesthetic appeal. A blend of hydroponic and non-pressure lime plaster ensures moisture resistance, while wood elements introduce warmth and a natural touch. Structural integrity is maintained through the use of Portland cement, complemented by PIR insulation for effective temperature control and energy efficiency. The incorporation of landscaped terraces and greenery not only enhances biodiversity but also contributes to the overall sustainability approach, promoting a climate-responsive architecture that respects the local environmental 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