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Sustainable Housing Emphasizing Locally Sourced Wood and Expansive Glass Integration in Desert Community

Authors:
Natalia Perez Pereyra, Jimena Soto Loustaunau, Valeria Gil Diaz Miron
Sustainable Housing Emphasizing Locally Sourced Wood and Expansive Glass Integration in Desert Community

Project in-detail

Utilizing locally sourced wood and extensive glass elements, this desert home is designed to enhance community living for the elderly while seamlessly integrating with its arid surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes reinforced concrete for structural stability adapted to desert conditions.
02
Incorporates locally sourced wood to create warmth and connect with the environment.
03
Features large glass panels that provide panoramic views while maximizing natural light.
04
Includes shaded terraces for outdoor activity without direct sun exposure.
05
Design prioritizes accessibility with wide corridors and ramped entryways for ease of movement.

### Project Overview

Located in Cuatro Ciénegas, Coahuila, Mexico, Casona del Desierto is designed as a contemporary residence tailored for elderly occupants. The project reflects a commitment to harmonizing with the natural environment while addressing the specific needs of its residents. By applying innovative design principles and selecting appropriate materials, the aim is to create a living environment that enhances comfort and fosters a connection to nature.

### Spatial Organization and Accessibility

Casona del Desierto emphasizes accessibility and community through its spatial planning. The layout features open communal spaces, including a living and dining area, that serve as social hubs, encouraging interaction among residents and visitors. Private quarters are thoughtfully designed to offer tranquility while remaining easily accessible. Additional flexible-use areas, such as a craft studio and multipurpose lounge, are incorporated to promote engagement and creativity. Outdoor spaces are strategically integrated, enhancing the connection with the surrounding landscape and providing serene environments for relaxation and gatherings.

### Material Selection and Environmental Response

The material choices play a significant role in defining both the aesthetic and functional characteristics of Casona del Desierto. Key materials include reinforced concrete for structural durability, locally sourced wood for warmth, and expansive glass panels that visually link indoor and outdoor spaces while maximizing natural light. Traditional clay tiles are utilized for flooring, connecting the design to the region's cultural heritage and improving thermal performance. Natural plaster finishes promote air quality and contribute to the tactile experience of the interiors. The careful combination of these materials not only enhances the building's resilience against the desert climate but also reinforces its community-oriented and accessible design philosophy.

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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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