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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.

### Project Overview
Located within a desert landscape characterized by expansive sand dunes, the design responds to contemporary needs for sustainability, technological integration, and aesthetic coherence with the surrounding environment. The intent is to create a residential concept that reflects modern family living dynamics while fostering communal interaction and individual privacy.

### Architectural Form and Spatial Organization
The building’s design features a sculptural façade with angular forms and tiered levels, balancing function with artistic expression. Cantilevered roofs and sloping surfaces are incorporated to provide shade and reduce solar gain, enhancing energy efficiency. Interior spaces are organized around a central patio, which facilitates natural light and ventilation, promoting a healthy indoor climate. Additionally, various living areas are strategically positioned to offer optimal views of the desert landscape, integrating indoor settings with outdoor vistas.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The primary structural material, white concrete, ensures durability while providing insulation against fluctuating temperatures. Interior finishes utilize travertine and white macel marble, adding a luxurious touch to living spaces. Emphasizing ecological responsibility, the design incorporates locally sourced materials to minimize environmental impact. Solar protection is enhanced through adjustable louvres, which effectively manage sunlight and temperature in the extreme desert climate. Passive cooling techniques and bio-climatic principles further reduce heat absorption, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable living practices.

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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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