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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.
The architectural project "A Mosaic of Architectural Reverie" is designed for a desert environment. It integrates sustainable practices by utilizing adobe and recycled ocean plastics, emphasizing environmental responsibility. This design reflects concepts of unity and community, embodying a contemporary interpretation of traditional forms. The structure is not merely a physical space but serves as a communal sanctuary, uniting inhabitants and promoting interaction while addressing the challenges of the harsh desert climate.

The project comprises a grid-like arrangement of living units that facilitates connectivity and organization. Each unit features semi-open spaces that balance privacy with social interaction, making the design adaptable to various lifestyles. Central to the layout are outdoor living areas, integrated with water features that serve both aesthetic and functional purposes, creating microclimates that mitigate desert heat. The extensive use of glass allows natural light to penetrate the interior spaces, enhancing the overall ambiance and blurring boundaries between indoor and outdoor environments.

Sustainable Materiality
An important aspect of this project is its material palette, combining traditional adobe with modern materials like recycled ocean plastics, glass, steel, and concrete. The use of adobe promotes thermal mass, which is critical in regulating indoor temperatures, while recycled plastics minimize environmental impact. The incorporation of wood offers warmth and texture, particularly in doors and furniture. This careful selection of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability and functionality, ensuring the architecture responds well to both the climate and the desires of its inhabitants.

Innovative Spatial Solutions
This project stands out in its integration of diverse spaces that facilitate community interaction while respecting individual privacy. Key design features include patios with water fountains and centralized landscaping that enhance visual appeal and create inviting outdoor spaces. The flexible layout allows for the adaptation of units over time, responding effectively to changing needs and preferences. Additionally, the focus on creating a cohesive relationship with the surrounding environment through vegetation and water elements underscores an innovative approach to architectural design in arid settings.

For those interested in further understanding the architectural approaches used in this project, I invite you to explore the comprehensive presentation of architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that provide deeper insights into this unique undertaking.
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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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