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Recycled Palm Wood And Tensile Roof Enhance Flexible Desert Living

Author:
Kyrshanbor Hynniewta
Recycled Palm Wood And Tensile Roof Enhance Flexible Desert Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing recycled palm wood and a tensile roof, the design offers a flexible living solution that adapts to the desert environment while promoting sustainable community living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes recycled palm wood to enhance sustainability and local craftsmanship.
02
Features a tensile roof that provides effective shade and ventilation in the desert climate.
03
Incorporates modular living units that can adapt to changing family needs.
04
Design includes interconnected spaces that promote community interactions while ensuring privacy.
05
Strategic water management systems integrate above and below-ground tanks for efficiency.

# SEED House Project Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, the SEED House design addresses the contemporary challenges of urban housing while honoring traditional Emirati living. The architectural framework serves as a foundation for future residential development, with a central "seed" that integrates key functions—cooking, storage, and utilities—allowing for adaptability over time. This structure is conceived to accommodate diverse family compositions and evolving needs, reflecting both flexibility and a holistic approach to modern living.

## Spatial Strategy and Connectivity

The spatial arrangement of the SEED House emphasizes openness, connectivity, and privacy. The central hub supports communal activities, while distinct living units preserve individual privacy, striking a balance between shared and private spaces. Architectural elements such as archways and interconnected pathways draw inspiration from traditional Emirati neighborhoods, fostering a sense of community. Natural light permeates the design, enhancing interior spaces and establishing a strong connection to the surrounding environment.

## Sustainable Material Selection

The project demonstrates a commitment to environmental sustainability through its careful selection of materials adapted to desert conditions. Key materials include solar panels for renewable energy, galvanized flashing for durability, and a tensile canvas roof that provides essential shade and ventilation. The incorporation of recycled palm wood not only emphasizes sustainable practices but also honors local craftsmanship. Water management is augmented through strategically placed water tanks, reinforcing the project's ecological responsibility while providing functional resilience in a challenging climate.

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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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