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Thermal Mass and Palm Waste Insulation in Sustainable Desert Housing

Authors:
Sofia Cesanelli, Vicente Javier Tagliabue, Martín Gori
Thermal Mass and Palm Waste Insulation in Sustainable Desert Housing

Project in-detail

Incorporating thermal mass and palm waste insulation, the design leverages local materials to create a sustainable living environment tailored for the desert climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates palm leaf waste for thermal insulation, promoting local resource utilization.
02
Utilizes thermal mass to enhance energy efficiency in a desert climate.
03
Features modular construction, allowing adaptability for changing resident needs.
04
Incorporates natural ventilation strategies to maintain indoor comfort.
05
Design emphasizes connection to the surrounding landscape through courtyard integration.

## Project Overview
Located in a desert environment, this architectural design exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to sustainable living and modern residency. The project addresses ecological and social challenges prevalent in contemporary urban landscapes. It aims to provide housing solutions that are responsive to climate concerns, enhance resident well-being, and promote a sustainable lifestyle.

## Spatial Configuration
The design prioritizes a well-considered spatial arrangement, facilitating a variety of living activities while fostering community engagement. Key elements of the layout include flexible living areas conducive to social gatherings, private spaces that enhance tranquility and reflection, and outdoor areas integrated with vegetation to provide psychological and biological benefits. Landscaping and natural vegetation are strategically employed, enriching the living experience while offering essential cooling and aesthetic enhancement.

## Material Utilization and Environmental Integration
The project emphasizes innovative material selection aligned with eco-friendly practices and local resource availability. Key materials include concrete for structural integrity and thermal mass, clay and lime plaster for natural finishes and thermal regulation, and thermal insulation derived from palm leaf waste for enhanced sustainability. Additionally, flexible photovoltaic panels are incorporated to harness solar energy.

Environmental strategies further emphasize energy efficiency and the use of renewable resources through passive methods, such as natural ventilation and strategic shading, as well as active systems like geothermal heat pumps. By focusing on recycled and locally sourced materials, the design reflects a commitment to biocapacity and ecosystem preservation, aligning with biocentric methodologies that advocate responsible resource utilization within ecological limits.

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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
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