## Overview

The Compact House is situated within a desert environment, where its design responds to unique climatic challenges while integrating local cultural elements. The project aims to enhance modern comfort through sustainable practices and the incorporation of traditional building techniques, utilizing local materials to minimize environmental impact.

## Material Selection and Design Strategies

### Materiality

Key materials include rammed earth, which serves as the primary structural element with a thickness of 40 cm, providing excellent thermal inertia and low embodied energy. Sustainable certified wood is used for windows, aiding in carbon neutrality, while porcelain tiles are selected for their properties that complement radiant cooling systems. The basement is constructed with mass concrete, utilizing 100% recyclable components and local aggregates.

### Architectural Layout and Circulation

The spatial arrangement separates public and private areas to suit cultural norms. The basement accommodates utility spaces such as parking and storage. The ground floor features an open-plan design that integrates living areas with distinct private zones, including bedrooms. Outdoor spaces are carefully designed to foster interaction with nature, promoting outdoor living and communal activities. Separate circulation paths for public and private movement enhance privacy while facilitating social gatherings when required.

## Sustainable Design Approaches

### Passive and Active Strategies

The design incorporates passive strategies such as optimized window orientation and overhangs to maximize natural light and regulate heat, supported by cross-ventilation systems to enhance airflow. Active strategies include the installation of solar panels for renewable energy generation and geothermal systems for maintaining stable interior temperatures.

Through the combination of traditional and contemporary architectural practices, the Compact House exemplifies a commitment to sustainability and local tradition, creating a residence that meets the modern demands of its inhabitants while respecting its environmental context.