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Tensile PTFE Structures and Rammed Earth Design in a Desert Community Retreat

Author:
David (dragi) Stefanovic
Tensile PTFE Structures and Rammed Earth Design in a Desert Community Retreat

Project in-detail

Utilizing tensile PTFE membranes and rammed earth construction, this desert community retreat offers an efficient blend of aesthetic design and environmental sensitivity, providing a unique lodging experience that fosters connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Hexagonal lodge design enhances spatial efficiency and mirrors natural patterns.
02
Skylights provide direct stargazing opportunities, immersing guests in the desert environment.
03
Tensile PTFE membranes contribute to lightweight structural performance and weather resistance.
04
Rammed earth walls offer thermal mass, integrating the buildings into the landscape.
05
Reflecting ponds improve micro-climatic conditions and enhance visual appeal.

The architectural project examines the convergence of modern design and environmental considerations within a desert context. Featuring a series of connective, hexagonal lodges, the structure is designed for both functionality and aesthetic integration into its natural surroundings. The architecture employs pre-fabricated PTFE tensile materials, maximizing efficiency while responding to harsh climatic conditions. The project emphasizes the relationship between built environment and landscape, aiming for a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Unique Design Approaches

One notable aspect of this project is the use of hexagonal forms, facilitating spatial efficiency and an organic aesthetic that mirrors natural patterns. Each lodge is equipped with skylights, enabling stargazing and promoting a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. The integration of PTFE membranes contributes not only to structural performance but also to the overall lightweight design ethos. This material, known for its weather resistance and durability, is complemented by rammed earth walls that provide thermal mass and physical grounding in the environment.

The architectural layout includes 24 lodges, with variations between typical and VIP models, organized in a way that encourages interaction while maintaining privacy. Outdoor areas adjacent to the lodges foster communal engagement, thereby enhancing the user experience. The common hub serves as the social nucleus of the project, exhibiting layered roof structures and reflecting ponds that contribute to micro-climatic conditions and aesthetic appeal.

Sustainability is a pivotal focus of the design. The project employs passive cooling techniques, optimizing natural ventilation strategies to minimize energy consumption. Smart glass skylights regulate light and heat, underscoring an approach centered on energy efficiency. This project represents a thoughtful response to its setting, prioritizing ecological balance and user comfort.

For an in-depth understanding of the architectural designs and concepts, interested readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and other detailed presentations associated with this project.

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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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