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Thermal Regulation Through Natural Plaster and Sustainable Timber in Contemporary Desert Living

Thermal Regulation Through Natural Plaster and Sustainable Timber in Contemporary Desert Living
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With its durable dome structures crafted from reinforced concrete and sustainable timber, the design harmonizes with the desert landscape while promoting community living through adaptive shared spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Dome structures enhance thermal efficiency through passive cooling.
02
Community areas are integrated into the design to promote social interaction.
03
Natural plaster finishes blend seamlessly with the desert landscape.
04
Sustainable timber is used for both structural integrity and aesthetic warmth.
05
The layout maximizes airflow and natural light while ensuring privacy.

### Project Overview
Tuwaq Palace is located in a desert region and responds to the challenges and opportunities presented by its unique environment. The design merges contemporary architecture with cultural significance, aimed at fostering a sense of community while enhancing the relationship between the inhabitants and the surrounding landscape. The proposal emphasizes the concept of "Living Cells," which encapsulates an organic approach to both form and communal living.

### Spatial Arrangement and Design Elements
The layout establishes a clear flow from individual living units to communal spaces, facilitating social interaction and accessibility. The use of dome-shaped structures serves both as a nod to traditional tent forms and as an efficient means of thermal regulation, essential for desert climates. These units are strategically placed to create "pockets of lushness," integrating with existing vegetation to respect natural flora and promote biodiversity. Central to the design is a communal gathering space that allows for both indoor and outdoor activities, reinforcing community ties while offering protection from the elements.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration
The selection of materials prioritizes sustainability and contextual relevance. Reinforced concrete provides durability in the dome structures, while sustainable timber introduces warmth to interiors. Glass is utilized to maximize natural light and visual connection to the landscape, thus reducing energy consumption. Natural finish plasters harmonize with the desert's color palette, further enhancing the project's ecological footprint. Passive cooling strategies, such as overhangs and thermal mass, are incorporated to improve indoor comfort while minimizing dependency on mechanical systems, emphasizing a commitment to ecological responsibility.

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Kingspan MICROHOME 2026: Building Less to Create More

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Competition organisers

The Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 competition invites architects and designers worldwide to rethink small-scale living by creating an off-grid, modular micro dwelling under 25 m². Now in its 11th edition, the contest emphasizes sustainable, innovative, and human-centered design that demonstrates how compact living can have a big impact.

With a €100,000 prize fund, entries will be evaluated for originality, efficiency, and their response to contemporary environmental and social challenges. The competition is open to everyone, with submissions allowed individually or in teams of up to four. Registration closes on 30 September 2026, and winners will be announced on 15 December 2026.

By celebrating creativity within strict limits, MICROHOME 2026 continues to push the boundaries of compact architecture and sustainable living.

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

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