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Pivoting Pods Crafted from Concrete and Steel Embracing Desert Landscapes

Author:
Roberto Gallegos noreña
Pivoting Pods Crafted from Concrete and Steel Embracing Desert Landscapes

Project in-detail

Designed with pivoting concrete and steel pods, this architectural retreat creates adaptable living spaces that seamlessly integrate with the desert environment for various communal and personal activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed with pivoting pods that allow for versatile spatial configurations.
02
Incorporates a central Sakura tree, enhancing ecological awareness in the desert setting.
03
Utilizes an innovative structural combination of concrete and steel frames to minimize environmental impact.
04
Extensive glass surfaces provide panoramic views and maximize natural light throughout the interior.
05
Features designated spaces for both private reflection and communal engagement, catering to diverse user needs.
The Desert House is an architectural project designed to serve as a multifunctional retreat within a desert landscape. Positioned at a high elevation, the project consists of interconnected pods that provide diverse spaces for living, working, and socializing. This design represents a fusion of physical spaces with the conceptual possibilities of the metaverse, offering residents a flexible environment tailored both for solitude and community interaction.

The project utilizes a modular design with six distinct pods linked to a central circular area. Each pod serves a specific purpose: an outdoors meeting space, a living room, a game room, a work room, an exploration room, and a gallery or vault. This configuration allows for a balance between communal activities and personal privacy, supporting a range of interactions.

Materials selected for the Desert House emphasize sustainability and contextual integration. Concrete forms the structural base of the pods, providing durability and stability. Steel is employed in the arched frames, facilitating the design's distinctive aesthetic while allowing flexible movement between the pods. Extensive use of glass enhances natural light and views, minimizing the visual barrier between interior and exterior spaces. Wood is utilized for select detailing, softening the harsher elements of concrete and steel.

Unique Design Approaches

The Desert House adopts a dynamic approach to spatial organization. The use of arched steel frames not only underscores the architectural language but also allows the pods to pivot around the central platform, creating adaptable living scenarios. This flexibility is a core attribute of the design, as it aligns with contemporary needs for multifunctional spaces.

Another notable feature is the incorporation of a central Sakura tree, which serves as both a focal point and a natural element within the project. This tree helps ground the structure within the desert environment and reinforces themes of sustainability and environmental consciousness. The design responds to its location by minimizing its ecological impact, elevating the structure to reduce land disturbance while still providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Function and Designed Experiences

The primary function of the Desert House is to cater to various lifestyles and activities. Each pod is designed to optimize space for dual purposes, accommodating both private moments and communal gatherings. The layout encourages social interaction while also allowing individuals to retreat into personal spaces when desired.

Moreover, the project examines the intersection of the digital and physical realms, offering opportunities for virtual engagement alongside traditional experiences. This forward-thinking design positions the Desert House as a flexible living environment that adapts to the needs of its occupants while integrating seamlessly into its surrounding context.

For a comprehensive understanding of the Desert House, including architectural plans, sections, and detailed architectural designs, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation. Further insights into the innovative architectural ideas behind this design will enhance appreciation for its unique approach to modern living.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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