Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Saline Irrigation System Inhabiting Green Terracotta Ecology Through Vertical Farming

Author:
Maria elisa Fernandez ramos
Saline Irrigation System Inhabiting Green Terracotta Ecology Through Vertical Farming

Project in-detail

Utilizing a saline irrigation system and vertical farming techniques within a terracotta-clad structure, this residence integrates sustainable practices to facilitate efficient food production in a challenging desert environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes saline irrigation to enhance local agricultural production within a desert environment.
02
Features a terracotta facade to improve energy efficiency through natural thermal regulation.
03
Integrates automated vertical farming systems for year-round crop cultivation.
04
Employs a hexagonal facade design to optimize passive cooling and ventilation.
05
Incorporates lightweight plastic tubing for effective water management across the structure.

## Analytical Report: SEAWater(g)House Project

### Overview

SEAWater(g)House is located in Dubai and functions as both a residential space and a self-sustaining greenhouse. The design integrates advanced technologies with sustainable practices, emphasizing the efficient utilization of local resources to support food production, energy generation, and water management. This project aims to align natural systems with the built environment to create a mutually beneficial relationship between the structure and its surroundings.

### Spatial Organization and Environmental Integration

The architectural concept employs the Sea Water Green House (SWGH) system, utilizing saline water for agricultural purposes while addressing the arid climate of Dubai. The layout is strategically organized into distinct climatic zones, optimizing natural light and airflow throughout the living and gardening areas. Fluid, curving geometries characterize the overall form, deviating from traditional rectangular designs to enhance natural ventilation and light distribution, echoing the local desert and coastal landscapes.

### Sustainable Materiality and Construction Techniques

Sustainability is a core principle reflected in the selection of materials. Light plastics are utilized for covering, facilitating airflow and humidity control, while terra cotta elements provide evaporative cooling and enhance air circulation. The structure incorporates wrapped plastic tubing for temperature regulation, automated vertical farming systems constructed from lightweight materials, and fabric shading elements that reduce solar heat gain. These innovations collectively contribute to the building's energy efficiency and ecological footprint, reinforcing its self-sustaining objectives.

Special features of SEAWater(g)House include energy generation mechanisms like photovoltaic panels and a comprehensive water-recycling system, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability. Automated greenhouse technologies enable efficient year-round crop cultivation, while climate-responsive systems adjust internal conditions based on real-time data, allowing for enhanced user comfort and environmental adaptability.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy