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Permeable Walls and Solar Integration in a Sustainable Desert Residence

Authors:
Mihai Daneliuc, Cristina-monalisa ŞuŞter, Alina GrigoraŞ, Dimitrie-vlad Aconstantinesei
Permeable Walls and Solar Integration in a Sustainable Desert Residence

Project in-detail

Utilizing permeable walls and energy-efficient solar technology, the design harmonizes with its desert environment to create a sustainable residential community that fosters both privacy and connectivity among families.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes permeable walls to enhance natural light while maintaining privacy.
02
Integrates solar panels for energy efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features modular design elements for adaptability over time.
04
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for durability and fire resistance.
05
Includes private courtyards that promote community interaction.

## Overview

Located in a desert environment, the Four Gardens Homes project emphasizes a contemporary architectural approach that prioritizes sustainability, community interaction, and individual comfort. The design integrates seamlessly with its natural surroundings and cultural context, focusing on effective use of space, light, and privacy. Each unit is specifically designed to foster both a sense of belonging among residents and the adaptability needed for various family dynamics.

### Spatial Strategy

The design employs a strategic layout that encourages fluid movement and social engagement among residents while ensuring adequate privacy. Each home includes dual entrances that enhance accessibility and deliver a versatile living experience. The main gathering areas adopt an open-plan format to connect living, dining, and kitchen spaces with gardens and courtyards. This arrangement not only maximizes natural light but also reinforces the connection between interior and exterior environments, creating a cohesive living atmosphere.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Careful consideration of materiality underpins the project's design, with an emphasis on durability and aesthetic appeal. Cladding stone and natural wood finishes establish a harmonious, inviting character, while marble flooring enhances the interior spaces. The incorporation of composite slabs contributes to structural integrity and thermal performance. Sustainable technologies, including solar panels and heat pumps, further reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources. Brick shading systems manage heat and light efficiently, promoting comfort throughout the year. In addition, smart home systems enable residents to effectively monitor and control energy consumption, aligning with the project's commitment to ecological responsibility.

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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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