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Sustainable Design Featuring White Concrete and Travertine Integration in Desert Living

Authors:
Marcos Diaz Guerra Chacon, Facundo Damian Taborda Gauna
Sustainable Design Featuring White Concrete and Travertine Integration in Desert Living

Project in-detail

Defined by its white concrete structure and travertine finishes, the design embraces passive cooling techniques and modular layouts to create a functional, sustainable dwelling in a challenging desert environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced white concrete to reflect heat, reducing energy costs.
02
Incorporates a central interior patio for enhanced natural ventilation and light distribution.
03
Features modular design elements that allow for future expansions without structural disruption.
04
Utilizes adjustable solar louvres to manage sunlight and optimize indoor temperature.
05
Integrates regional landscaping, including locally adapted vegetation for sustainability.
This architectural project is a contemporary residential design situated in a desert landscape. It effectively integrates modern living requirements with environmental considerations, focusing on sustainability, functionality, and aesthetic coherence. The building is characterized by angular forms and a tiered layout, promoting natural light and passive ventilation.

The project represents a merging of private and communal spaces, designed to enhance social interaction among family members while incorporating distinct areas for privacy. This approach informs the spatial organization, which emphasizes connectivity without sacrificing comfort. Key elements include a central interior patio, which facilitates airflow and illuminates the interior, making it a focal point of the design.

The selected materials for this architecture project showcase a commitment to sustainability. White concrete serves as the primary structural material, providing durability while reflecting sunlight to mitigate heat absorption. Finishing materials, such as travertine and white macel marble, add both warmth and elegance to the interiors. Utilizing locally sourced materials further aligns with the project’s environmental objectives.

Integration with the landscape is a critical aspect of this design. The site features vegetation, including palm trees, that not only enhances the overall aesthetic but also contributes to natural cooling through shade. The incorporation of bio-climatic principles ensures that energy consumption is minimized, with elements such as adjustable louvres that control solar gain.

Innovative design approaches differentiate this project from others in the same context. The architectural plans reflect a flexible layout that can adapt to future family needs, which is increasingly important in residential design. Additionally, smart home technologies have been integrated to optimize energy management and enhance the living experience.

The project's architectural sections reveal a thoughtful configuration that prioritizes both privacy and community. The modularity built into the design allows for expansions, supporting evolving lifestyles while maintaining structural coherence.

This project is a benchmark for modern residential architecture in challenging climates, embodying a clear focus on sustainable practices and communal living. For those interested in exploring the full scope of this architectural design, including detailed architectural plans, sections, and innovative ideas, a deeper examination of the project presentation is encouraged.
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MICROHOME
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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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