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Sandstone Shelters Enhanced by Bacillus Pasteurii in Desert Living Spaces

Authors:
Ben Lee, Ruta Benetyte, Freddy Browne, Daven Masri
Sandstone Shelters Enhanced by Bacillus Pasteurii in Desert Living Spaces
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Utilizing Bacillus pasteurii to transform local sand into durable sandstone shelters, the design creates eco-lodges that effortlessly blend into the desert landscape while providing guests with immersive living spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes Bacillus pasteurii for transforming sand into solid sandstone structures.
02
Designed to adapt to shifting dune topography for minimal environmental impact.
03
Includes features for grey water recycling and waste treatment systems.
04
Incorporates private pools and shaded terraces for enhanced guest comfort.
05
Allows for modular relocation or repurposing of eco-lodges as needed.

The design is located in the dune landscapes of a desert, aiming to create living spaces that are integrated with nature. The project emphasizes sustainable construction practices by using local materials and biological processes. The goal is to build structures that respect the environment and connect people to the desert landscape.

Construction Methodology
Sand serves as the main building material, combined with a mixture that includes yeast, urea, calcium chloride, water, and *Bacillus pasteurii*. This combination allows the loose sand to become solid and suitable for construction. By using natural materials and incorporating living organisms into the process, the design demonstrates a commitment to environmental sustainability.

Pod Design
Living pods are designed to fit the shape of the sand dunes, creating a relationship between the structures and their surroundings. Each pod features a straightforward layout that offers wide views of the desert and local wildlife. There are different types of pods, including more spacious options for guests, which include amenities like private pools and shaded terraces. These elements enhance comfort while encouraging relaxation in the natural environment.

Sustainability Measures
Sustainability is central to the design, with an emphasis on modular construction. This approach allows the structures to be easily moved or repurposed when no longer needed, minimizing their impact on the landscape. Features such as systems for recycling grey water and treating waste also contribute to a lower environmental footprint.

Environmental Integration
The design includes strategies for managing the relationship between buildings and the desert climate. Natural airflow is carefully considered, with designs that help regulate interior temperatures. By focusing on ventilation and the use of sunlight, the architecture responds thoughtfully to the challenges posed by the environment. This result is a more comfortable living space that aligns with the natural world.

The open spaces framed by the organic forms invite people to take in the beauty of the desert. Each structure serves as a reminder of nature’s rhythms, allowing occupants to appreciate the landscape and its ever-changing aspects.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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