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Tactile Pathways and Thermal Mass in a Desert Home for the Blind

Authors:
Mina Al-janabi, Natalia Stefańska
Tactile Pathways and Thermal Mass in a Desert Home for the Blind

Project in-detail

A waterfall wall captures sunlight and enhances thermal comfort within a home that features tactile pathways designed for blind inhabitants while integrating materials sourced from the surrounding Błędów desert.
5 key facts about this project
01
Pathways are designed to enhance tactile experiences for blind inhabitants.
02
Waterfall wall serves as both a shower and thermal mass.
03
Materials are sourced from the surrounding Błędów desert.
04
Living areas are strategically elevated to promote exploration.
05
The design emphasizes sensory engagement over visual aesthetics.

"New Heights - Home for the Blind" is set in the Błędów desert and is designed to meet the specific needs of blind inhabitants. The project focuses on enhancing sensory experiences while maximizing the connection to nature. Through thoughtful design choices, the home offers an innovative approach to living that prioritizes tactile interaction.

Pathway Dynamics
The layout incorporates a twisting pathway that moves vertically throughout the space. This approach creates different levels that separate active areas like the living room and kitchen from quieter zones such as the bedroom and bath. The path encourages exploration and helps the occupant navigate the environment through touch, making every movement a part of the experience.

Sensory Experience
A significant feature of the design is the bathing area, which includes a waterfall wall that acts as the shower. This element enriches the sensory experience by combining sounds of flowing water with tactile sensations. The waterfall wall extends upward, functioning as a thermal mass that captures sunlight during the day through a south-facing window. At night, it releases the stored warmth, ensuring comfort for the inhabitants.

Material Integration
Materials for the construction come from the surrounding desert. Mud is used alongside Finite composite for various structural elements. This choice strengthens the bond between the building and its environment while promoting sustainability. The materials not only contribute to the visual harmony but also enhance the overall experience of the home.

Attention to detail is evident in the use of the waterfall wall, which brings together elements of sound, light, and touch, creating an environment that responds to its inhabitants' needs.

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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

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competition now

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