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Skylight-Enhanced Lodges with Modular Jaimas in Desert Community

Authors:
Patricia Fondello, Camila Carvajal, Isidro Roch
Skylight-Enhanced Lodges with Modular Jaimas in Desert Community

Project in-detail

With modular jaimas and skylight-enhanced interiors designed to maximize natural light, these lodges offer a sustainable housing solution that harmonizes with the desert landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular design allows for reconfiguration based on user needs and climate conditions.
02
Central courtyards enhance natural ventilation and outdoor accessibility.
03
VIP lodges feature a terrace that aligns with panoramic desert views.
04
Inspired by traditional Bedouin jaimas for functional, temporary living.
05
Common hub design encourages social interaction among residents.

The design emerges from the expansive desert landscape, characterized by its sandy terrain and open skies. It provides sustainable living solutions through modular lodges that integrate with the environment. Drawing inspiration from traditional Bedouin shelters, the concept focuses on adaptability and simplicity, creating comfortable spaces that serve the needs of inhabitants while respecting the surrounding landscape.

Modular Construction

The design features a series of modular lodges that function independently yet are part of a larger communal layout. Each lodge has a central core that acts as the main service area, providing essential amenities accompanied by a skylight. This allows for natural light and ventilation. The design balances a sense of security with openness, encouraging residents to connect with the vast desert views.

Living Spaces

Around the central core are living modules designated for dining, sleeping, and cooking. These modules can be adjusted based on user requirements and environmental factors, showcasing flexibility in addressing the changing desert climate. The configuration of these spaces promotes efficient resource use, creating an inviting atmosphere that facilitates comfort and interaction.

Outdoor Integration

Courtyards formed by empty modules serve as functional outdoor spaces, doubling as decks to enhance ventilation. These shaded areas promote outdoor activity and relaxation. This integration of courtyards emphasizes the connection between indoor and outdoor life, promoting a comprehensive living experience in the desert.

Community Hub

A common hub is designed as a modular grid, accommodating several functions such as reception, dining, and utility services. Natural light fills these communal areas through thoughtfully placed courtyards, fostering a sense of interaction among residents. This approach enhances the shared experience, aligning with the overall goals of the design.

Among the thoughtful details, the VIP lodges feature a central skylight that extends into a terrace, offering panoramic views of the desert landscape while providing privacy and comfort within the living space.

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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

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