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Sustainable Living Shaped by Concrete Geometry and Reflective Skylights

Authors:
Sinan Hassan, Hassan Kobeissi, Youssef Assi
Sustainable Living Shaped by Concrete Geometry and Reflective Skylights

Project in-detail

Concrete forms intersect with reflective skylights to facilitate energy efficiency and natural light, creating a sustainable residential solution in a desert environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Concrete structures are designed to provide optimal thermal mass for climate regulation.
02
Reflective skylights enhance daylighting while minimizing heat gain in living spaces.
03
The circular layout promotes natural airflow, improving ventilation throughout the home.
04
Integrated solar modules harness renewable energy efficiently in a hot environment.
05
Distinctive ribbon windows are strategically placed for controlled light penetration.
"Circle in the Sand" is an architectural design project that introduces a new paradigm of sustainable living through circular housing structures. Located in a desert environment, this project effectively addresses the challenges posed by extreme temperatures and limited resources. By reconfiguring traditional spatial arrangements, the design emphasizes a dualistic approach that segregates private and communal spaces while maintaining a cohesive overall form.

The project centers around two distinct modules: the Private Module and the Services Module. The Private Module includes features such as bedrooms and suites, designed to offer comfort and seclusion, while the Services Module encompasses communal areas including dining spaces and kitchens. This integration promotes interaction among residents while preserving essential privacy, allowing for a balanced living experience.

The architecture utilizes materials that reinforce its commitment to sustainability and functionality. The primary materials employed are concrete, glass, aluminum, and eco-friendly coatings. Concrete is used for structural integrity and thermal mass, while reflective glass allows for natural light penetration with minimized heat gain. Aluminum is selected for its lightweight properties and resistance to corrosion, ensuring longevity. Eco-friendly coatings enhance the energy efficiency of the building’s envelope.

Innovative design features set this project apart from conventional alternatives. The circular form enhances air circulation and allows for soft transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces. The design incorporates solar modules to harness renewable energy and employs reflective skylights to control heat and light. Ribbon windows facilitate controlled sunlight entry, contributing to a pleasant living environment while reducing artificial lighting needs.

The articulation of various forms within the design employs geometric principles of exploding and subtracting volumes, creating distinct pathways and functional areas. This approach results in a fluid spatial experience accentuated by the interplay of solid structures and open voids that optimize the relationship between light and shadow.

Green spaces are thoughtfully integrated into the design, enhancing ecological diversity while providing residents with areas for relaxation and recreation. This attention to landscape integration underscores the project’s commitment to sustainability and well-being in a challenging environment.

For those interested in understanding the full scope of this project, detailed architectural plans, sections, and design elements provide deeper insights into its innovative concepts and execution. Exploring these materials will yield a greater appreciation for how this project navigates the complexities of modern architecture while remaining responsive to its geographical context.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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