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Residential community integrating local stone and palm wood in a desert environment

Author:
Ismail Utkan Yonter
Residential community integrating local stone and palm wood in a desert environment

Project in-detail

Nestled in the heart of the desert, this residential community skillfully combines traditional adobe and local stone with palm wood elements, creating a harmonious blend of modern living and cultural heritage in a thoughtfully designed landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The project utilizes locally sourced palm wood for structural elements, promoting regional craftsmanship and sustainability.
02
Each villa is designed with private meditation gardens, emphasizing wellness and a connection to nature.
03
The layout incorporates traditional adobe construction techniques, enhancing thermal performance in the desert climate.
04
Community spaces feature an amphitheater, fostering social gatherings and cultural events within the residential area.
05
Natural cooling strategies are integrated throughout the design, utilizing courtyards to regulate indoor temperatures passively.
The architectural project, "The Arabian Mirage," is located on the outskirts of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It embodies a thoughtful integration of contemporary design with cultural elements rooted in the region's rich history. The primary representation of this project lies in its ability to harmonize modern living conditions with the traditional architectural vernacular, thus creating a unique residential experience that resonates deeply with its geographical context.

Functionally, "The Arabian Mirage" is conceived as a residential community that caters to familial needs while prioritizing interaction among its inhabitants. The design encompasses several interconnected villas, each thoughtfully arranged to foster community engagement while providing private spaces for residents. This careful consideration of the project's function is evident in the spatial organization, which combines open communal areas with intimate private courtyards—balancing the need for social interaction with personal privacy.

The architectural design makes use of local materials such as stone, palm wood, and adobe, which not only pays homage to traditional building techniques but also ensures sustainability and environmental compatibility. The emphasis on locally sourced materials reflects a commitment to reducing the carbon footprint and supports regional craftsmanship, creating a community that is both modern and steeped in history.

Key components of the project include spacious family lobbies that serve as entry points, blending indoor and outdoor living. The layout encourages flow between spaces, with elements like private gardens and meditation zones enhancing the overall quality of life. Each villa features multiple bedrooms, designed to accommodate families while promoting a sense of togetherness. Shared community spaces, including recreational areas and amphitheaters, encourage social gatherings, thereby reinforcing community bonds.

The design employs unique approaches that stand out in contemporary architecture. By incorporating natural cooling strategies, the project effectively addresses the harsh desert climate, offering shaded outdoor environments that make the living spaces comfortable year-round. The use of courtyards not only provides aesthetic value but also encourages ventilation and natural light, creating a pleasing atmosphere throughout the residences.

Furthermore, the project makes a clear attempt to connect indoor and outdoor realms, promoting a lifestyle that embraces nature. This integration is achieved through expansive glass features and open floor plans that enhance the relationship between the built environment and the surrounding landscape, allowing residents to experience the beauty of their milieu.

In summary, "The Arabian Mirage" serves as an impressive example of how architecture can transcend mere function to create a meaningful living environment. The intentional blend of traditional and modern elements fosters a community-centered approach that enhances the quality of life for its residents. Anyone interested in a deeper exploration of the architectural plans, sections, designs, and innovative ideas behind this project is encouraged to delve into the presentation for comprehensive insights.
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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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