Get inspired!

17,495 architecture projects

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

Rammed Earth and Adobe Brick Residence with a Central Courtyard for Sustainable Living

Authors:
Maria Jose Fernandez Serrano, Ridaa Abdeslam Ahmed
Rammed Earth and Adobe Brick Residence with a Central Courtyard for Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Constructed from rammed earth and adobe bricks, this residence incorporates a central courtyard to facilitate natural cooling, while prioritizing privacy and community interaction within its layout.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced rammed earth and adobe bricks for enhanced thermal performance.
02
Features a permeable roof design that captures natural light and rain for passive cooling.
03
Incorporates a central courtyard to optimize airflow and promote outdoor connectivity.
04
Utilizes traditional building techniques to blend modern sustainability with cultural heritage.
05
Landscaped with native flora to create a biophilic environment supporting local ecology.
The Oasis House is an architectural design project located in Dubai, characterized by its integration of traditional building methods with modern requirements for sustainability and comfort. This project serves both a residential and social function, aiming to create a self-sufficient living environment that enhances the quality of life for its inhabitants. The architectural form emphasizes a balanced relationship with the surrounding desert environment, focusing on creating a refuge that offers relief from the external climate.

The layout of the Oasis House centers around a central courtyard, a common feature in Middle Eastern architecture, promoting natural ventilation and sustainable living practices. This design not only facilitates social interaction but also adheres to the principles of bioclimatic architecture, making the most of the local climate to manage heat and encourage airflow.

Innovative Use of Local Materials
One distinctive aspect of the Oasis House is its commitment to using locally sourced materials, such as rammed earth and adobe bricks. These materials offer significant thermal mass, providing natural insulation against the desert heat. The facade integrates durable precast rammed earth panels, which are not only environmentally friendly but also pay homage to the traditional architectural vernacular of the region. The choice of materials reflects a conscientious effort to minimize the project's ecological footprint while promoting local craftsmanship.

The roof structure features a permeable canopy designed to capture solar energy while allowing light and rain to filter through, thereby enhancing the microclimate around the house. Solar collectors integrate renewable energy solutions into the architectural design, contributing to the overall sustainability of the home. This innovative approach to the roof contrasts sharply with conventional designs that often overlook the potential for passive energy harvesting.

Integrating Nature into Living Spaces
The landscape surrounding the Oasis House incorporates locally adapted flora, fostering a harmonious relationship between the built environment and nature. Plants such as Philodendron and Bamboo are strategically placed to create shaded areas and enhance the overall aesthetic, reflecting the principles of biophilic design. The outdoor spaces encourage activities throughout the year and serve as extensions of the indoor living areas.

The interior layout is meticulously designed to balance communal and private spaces, ensuring privacy while also facilitating family interaction. The Majlis serves as a key area for social gatherings, preserving cultural significance while enhancing the living experience. The design choices promote a sense of community while still providing individual retreat spaces.

The Oasis House exemplifies modern architectural competencies that address environmental challenges while embracing cultural heritage. For readers interested in exploring the architectural details further, examining architectural plans, sections, and diagrams will provide valuable insights into the fundamental design considerations and strategies employed in this project. Delve deeper into the Oasis House presentation to understand its architectural ideas and innovative approaches.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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
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 17,495 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