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Textured Stone Forms Harmonizing With Natural Light in a Desert Habitat

Authors:
Anoud Amer Nayef Alassaf, Marwa Imad Fawzi Ihmoud, Sham Ali Mohammad Aldiqs
Textured Stone Forms Harmonizing With Natural Light in a Desert Habitat

Project in-detail

Utilizing Fibonacci-inspired forms and textured stone to create a seamless connection with the Wadi Rum landscape, the structure serves as a residential space that encourages exploration and reflection amidst a rich cultural narrative.
5 key facts about this project
01
Fibonacci sequences shape the overall form, enhancing harmony with the landscape.
02
Natural stone façade integrates seamlessly with the surrounding geology.
03
Large openings facilitate dynamic light patterns throughout the day.
04
Unique subterranean spaces create a climate-responsive living environment.
05
Textured finishes evoke the desert terrain, enhancing tactile engagement.

## Overview
The "Home of Shadow" is located within the Wadi Rum region, a landscape recognized for its striking geological formations and cultural heritage. The intent of the design is to explore the intersection of narrative and architecture by creating a dwelling that reflects the philosophical themes of coexistence between humans and supernatural elements, as illustrated through the characters of Aylin and Dmain. This project aims to facilitate a dialogue between different realms of existence, represented through both the physical structure and its contextual backdrop.

## Spatial Connectivity
### Celestial Harmony
The architectural framework introduces the concept of "Celestial Harmony," which promotes an intrinsic relationship between human experience and the natural environment. Utilizing advanced computational design techniques, the structure integrates with the rugged topography, ensuring that the building maintains a distinct identity while simultaneously respecting its surroundings. This architectural approach emphasizes the fluidity of spaces, allowing for a cohesive interaction between the inhabitants and the landscape.

### Innovative Morphology
The design employs the Fibonacci sequence to create organic forms that resonate with natural patterns, enhancing spatial connectivity and promoting an exploration of light and shadow within the interior. Each functional area is interlinked, guided by fluid transitions and elevators that navigate through layered levels. The arrangement of spaces, from communal gathering areas to private retreats, is informed by principles of light maximization and environmental connection.

## Material Considerations
### Material Selection
The choice of materials for the "Home of Shadow" reflects both resilience and an aesthetic kinship with Wadi Rum's geological features. Key materials include reinforced concrete for structural integrity, natural stone for contextual engagement, and glass to optimize views and natural illumination. Textured finishes further enhance the building's integration with its environment, simulating organic forms found in nature.

### Functional Aesthetics
Beyond their physical properties, the selected materials evoke emotional and sensory responses, allowing occupants to forge a tangible connection with the arid landscape. The design's emphasis on textured surfaces and visual continuity fosters an immersive experience, prompting inhabitants to engage with the home in a meaningful manner, thereby elevating the dwelling experience beyond mere functionality.

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

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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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