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Thermal Mass From Local Sandstone and Natural Light Integration in A Desert Residential Community

Thermal Mass From Local Sandstone and Natural Light Integration in A Desert Residential Community

Project in-detail

Utilizing thermal mass from locally sourced sandstone and strategically placed glass, the design harmonizes with the desert climate while providing comfortable residential living within a community setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced sandstone for enhanced thermal mass and climate responsiveness.
02
Integrates large glass panels to maximize natural light and connect interior spaces with the desert landscape.
03
Incorporates modular sections that facilitate flexible living arrangements for residents.
04
Employs perforated screens on facades to create dynamic light patterns and reduce heat gain.
05
Features a design that optimally captures prevailing winds for natural ventilation.

## Overview
Located in a desert environment, the project "Wind of the Future" offers a contemporary interpretation of traditional architectural forms through the integration of sustainable design principles. The aim is to create a structure that harmonizes with its surroundings while addressing the climatic challenges of arid regions. Key aspects of the design focus on maximizing natural light and ventilation to enhance occupant comfort and reduce dependence on mechanical systems.

## Site Interaction
The design effectively engages with the desert landscape through a thoughtful approach to landscaping and orientation. Native vegetation, such as cacti and palm trees, has been incorporated to enrich the local ecosystem and soften the building's visual impact. Additionally, the strategic orientation of the structure captures prevailing winds, establishing natural ventilation corridors that improve energy efficiency and enhance the indoor environment.

## Structural Composition
The building's modular design consists of distinct volumes that prioritize function and user experience. An open-plan layout fosters interaction between communal areas, while private spaces are carefully delineated to maintain privacy without sacrificing visual connections to the outdoors. Large glass panels are utilized to facilitate this integration, enhancing daylight penetration and blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces. Textured facades, featuring perforated screens, introduce dynamic patterns of light and shadow while contributing to the thermal performance of the structure and aligning with the surrounding landscape's warm, earth-toned hues.

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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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