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Subterranean Dwelling With Thermal Mass Concrete and Biophilic Indoor Gardens

Authors:
Joao Braga Mogadouro, Itai Perlman, Yosef Daniel Seri Levi, Guy Avikazar
Subterranean Dwelling With Thermal Mass Concrete and Biophilic Indoor Gardens

Project in-detail

Constructed with thermal mass concrete and designed with indoor gardens, this subterranean dwelling redefines sustainable living by creating a comfortable environment that fosters community interaction in an arid landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed with thermal mass concrete to enhance energy efficiency and regulate internal temperatures.
02
Integrates biophilic gardens throughout to improve air quality and promote well-being.
03
Features a central community patio that encourages social interaction among residents.
04
Utilizes adjustable natural light through strategically placed skylights and ventilation systems.
05
Incorporates provisions for future expansion, allowing for adaptive living spaces as needs change.

### Overview

The Oasis is designed as a subterranean dwelling that addresses the challenges of climate change in arid environments. Situated in a dry landscape, the project prioritizes comfort, communal living, and eco-friendliness, providing a refuge that integrates with its surroundings. The architecture emphasizes resilience and adaptation, reflecting a need for sustainable living solutions in increasingly harsh conditions.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience

The layout of The Oasis is centered around a communal patio, fostering interaction and accessibility while providing private areas for rest and reflection. The configuration includes interconnected bedrooms, a family area, an office, and service spaces, all organized to enhance the flow among them. This design approach cultivates a sense of community while allowing for personal privacy and comfort.

### Material Strategy and Sustainability

The material selection within The Oasis focuses on sustainability and aesthetic harmony. Reinforced concrete ensures structural integrity and provides thermal mass for regulating temperature. Incorporating both fixed and movable glass enhances natural light and visual connectivity, supporting the well-being of residents while maintaining privacy. Aluminum elements offer adjustable privacy and assist in ventilation, complemented by biophilic features that integrate indoor gardens for improved air quality. The strategic use of these materials not only bolsters durability against external conditions but also promotes a balanced and healthy living environment.

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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