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Recycled Plastics and Adobe Solutions for Sustainable Desert Community Living

Authors:
Pascal Tarabay, Martin FranÇois RÉmi Denis Du PÉage
Recycled Plastics and Adobe Solutions for Sustainable Desert Community Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing recycled plastics and adobe, the design creates a sustainable living environment that effectively addresses the challenges of desert habitation while fostering community interactions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes adobe construction to enhance thermal mass, optimizing energy efficiency in a desert climate.
02
Incorporates recycled ocean plastics for structural elements, emphasizing sustainability in material selection.
03
Features semi-open community spaces that promote social interaction while maintaining individual privacy.
04
Integrates water features throughout the site, creating microclimates that aid in cooling the environment.
05
Design allows for flexible layouts to adapt to changing community needs over time.

### Overview

Situated in a desert environment, the design project emphasizes a thoughtful integration of traditional and modern architectural principles while addressing the challenges of arid climates. The project prioritizes sustainability, utilizing adobe and recycled ocean plastics to embody a commitment to environmental responsibility. The overall intent is to create a cohesive living space that acknowledges the extremes of the desert while fostering a sense of community among its residents.

### Spatial Configuration and Community Interaction

The layout employs a grid-like configuration that promotes connectivity and organization within the community. Each residential unit is designed with semi-open spaces that effectively balance privacy with opportunities for social interaction. Key features include patios equipped with water fountains that provide aesthetic value and cooling microclimates, as well as flexible indoor-outdoor spaces that streamline the transition between living areas and gardens. Centralized water features enhance tranquility and serve as focal points, while the integration of lush vegetation contrasts with the surrounding landscape and contributes to improved air quality.

### Material Selection and Structural Integrity

The project showcases a diverse palette of materials that enhance both aesthetic and functional aspects. Adobe is utilized for its thermal mass and stability, while recycled ocean plastics are incorporated to underscore sustainability. Extensive glass window areas facilitate natural light penetration, creating a connection between indoor and outdoor environments. Structural integrity is ensured through the implementation of steel in column and beam configurations, complemented by warm wood elements used in doors and furniture to foster a tactile and inviting atmosphere. Concrete serves as a durable and maintenance-friendly flooring option.

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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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