Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Terracotta and Timber Integration in a Desert Community Design

Authors:
Emna Cherif, Fatma Kallel
Terracotta and Timber Integration in a Desert Community Design

Project in-detail

Interlocking terracotta and timber structures respond to the desert environment, creating a cohesive residential community that prioritizes sustainability and functionality.
5 key facts about this project
01
Interlocking volumes create distinct yet connected spaces that enhance community interaction.
02
Terracotta bricks integrate traditional construction techniques with contemporary design for durability.
03
Vegetable fiber panels provide innovative shading while reducing environmental impact.
04
Modular layouts allow for flexible, adaptive living spaces tailored to individual needs.
05
Natural cooling strategies effectively regulate indoor temperatures in arid conditions.

### Project Overview

Located in the desert region of Dubai, "The Origins in Pieces" integrates historical influences with contemporary design approaches to address local cultural and environmental conditions. The project emphasizes a fragmented architectural language that reflects the complexity of the urban context, aimed at fostering connections among various elements of the landscape and promoting interactions among inhabitants.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience

The design features a grid-like arrangement of interlocking volumes, facilitating a clear hierarchy between public and private spaces. Public areas, such as outdoor courtyards, serve as gathering spots that visually and functionally connect with the landscape, while private zones are organized around enclosed courtyards, ensuring a sheltered environment that balances natural light and ventilation. The circulation throughout the space mimics the traditional medina experience, where pathways and gardens create an exploratory environment, enhancing the residents' relationship with their surroundings.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

A focus on sustainable materiality defines the project, utilizing terracotta bricks for heat insulation, timber for modular construction, and concrete for structural integrity. Additionally, vegetable fiber panels provide natural shading, solar panels ensure energy efficiency, and hydroponic systems promote sustainable water usage. This strategic selection of materials is designed to withstand the climatic challenges of the desert while supporting environmental sustainability. The integration of systems for evaporative cooling and water harvesting further enhances the project's ecological performance, establishing a commitment to promoting a sustainable lifestyle in harmony with the desert landscape.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy