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Perforated Metal Screens and Greywater Systems Enhance Sustainability in Desert Residences

Authors:
MarÍa Delfina Acosta Pereyra, Juan Martin Mermot Mancebo
Perforated Metal Screens and Greywater Systems Enhance Sustainability in Desert Residences

Project in-detail

Employing perforated metal screens and greywater recycling systems, this residential development redefines desert living by integrating sustainable practices and cultural elements into its design.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes perforated metal screens to enhance ventilation and privacy while allowing natural light.
02
Incorporates a greywater recycling system to promote water conservation in a desert setting.
03
Features a flexible interior layout designed for multifunctional family use.
04
Employs local materials, including plaster and wood, that resonate with cultural heritage.
05
Integrates natural landscaping to create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

## Project Overview

Oasis Mirage is situated in the United Arab Emirates, designed to integrate cultural heritage with contemporary technology to establish a sustainable living environment within a desert setting. The project reflects a commitment to flexibility and adaptability, allowing it to serve various user needs without being tied to a specific demographic. The concept draws inspiration from the oasis, symbolizing comfort amidst harsh climatic conditions while promoting a dialogue between modern amenities and traditional aesthetics.

## Materiality and Environmental Considerations

The selection of materials is critical to the project's architectural objectives, focusing on durability and resilience against the desert climate. Concrete serves as the primary structural element, offering both strength and thermal mass. Plaster finishes evoke traditional desert architecture, while wood in window frames and interiors provides warmth. The strategic use of glass enhances natural lighting and connectivity with the surrounding landscape, and perforated metal screens contribute to ventilation and artistic expression, drawing on traditional motifs.

Sustainability is embedded in the design process through passive strategies such as natural ventilation and water recycling systems. Window placements facilitate cross-ventilation to minimize reliance on mechanical cooling, while integrated greywater systems address water scarcity. Solar panels are incorporated to harness renewable energy, enhancing the overall sustainability profile of the development.

## Spatial Organization and User Experience

The interior layout is purposefully organized to promote privacy and functionality, with public spaces—such as living areas and kitchens—separated from private zones like bedrooms. This zoning supports social dynamics important for family life. The design includes multifunctional spaces, including a designated "flex room" that can adapt to various uses, reflecting contemporary trends toward versatile living environments.

Exterior features play a significant role in user experience, with terraces and balconies allowing residents to engage with the surrounding desert views. Landscaping with native vegetation not only enhances the aesthetic quality but also contributes to environmental cooling, providing a smooth transition between built and natural elements. These design choices collectively foster a living environment that prioritizes comfort, interaction, and respect for the surrounding ecosystem.

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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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