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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.
The SEED House is an innovative architectural project designed to address the contemporary housing needs within the United Arab Emirates. This design integrates traditional Emirati elements with modern functionality, providing a viable housing solution that promotes flexibility and sustainability. The design operates as a nucleus of interconnected living spaces, fostering both community interaction and privacy.

The SEED House represents an intentional response to climatic, cultural, and social factors specific to the UAE. It serves as a living space that accommodates various family dynamics, facilitating both communal living and personal privacy. The architectural layout emphasizes modularity, allowing for growth or reduction based on occupancy changes.

Spatially, the project is organized around a central core known as the "seed." This multifunctional hub includes essential utilities such as kitchens and storage, serving as the backbone for the surrounding living units. Each unit is designed to connect seamlessly to outdoor spaces, enhancing natural light and ventilation. The configuration of these units underscores a commitment to smart design, allowing for adaptability in the use and arrangement.

The SEED House incorporates several distinct features that set it apart from typical housing designs. Prominent among these is its focus on sustainability through material choice. The structure utilizes recycled palm wood panels and integrates solar panels for energy efficiency. These choices reflect a broader aim to minimize the ecological footprint while embracing local craftsmanship. Additionally, the use of a tensile roof fabric facilitates cooling, addressing the region's harsh weather conditions effectively.

The architectural design includes both privacy and communal spaces, offering rooms that can be easily expanded or modified. The layout encourages interaction, evident in the open plan that leads from private areas to shared courtyards. This arrangement fosters social engagement among residents, aligning with traditional Emirati values of community and familial ties.

Attention to local climate impacts the architectural design significantly. The choice of materials, such as durable concrete pads and shaded areas provided by overhanging roofs, address the extreme weather conditions of the desert environment. Moreover, the strategic placement of water tanks—both above and below ground—demonstrates a functional approach to water management, ensuring the structure remains sustainable in terms of resource consumption.

In summary, the SEED House encapsulates modern architectural practices while honoring cultural heritage. Its innovative design elements and sustainable strategies set a benchmark for contemporary residential projects in the UAE. To gain further insights into this project, including detailed architectural plans, sections, and designs, readers are encouraged to explore the full project presentation. The SEED House illustrates a commitment to efficient living while creating spaces that facilitate community interaction and sustainability.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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