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Thomble Walls and Fabric Roofs for Sustainable Desert Living

Authors:
Nicolás Vergara, Jose Paollinelli, Andres Bezanilla
Thomble Walls and Fabric Roofs for Sustainable Desert Living
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The integration of thomble walls and a lightweight fabric roof creates an innovative solution for sustainable living in the desert, accommodating both communal and private spaces within a modular habitat.
5 key facts about this project
01
Thomble walls enhance air circulation and thermal efficiency.
02
The roof combines lightweight fabric with a rigid steel frame for insulation.
03
Modular units allow for flexible living arrangements to meet diverse needs.
04
A water collection pond serves as a functional oasis and resource hub.
05
Ornamental details reflect local cultural influences and sacred geometry.

The design focuses on a deep understanding of the desert environment and the needs of people who live in it. Set in an arid landscape, the project serves as a series of modular homes that blend with nature. The overall idea is to create adaptable spaces that reflect the way nomadic cultures use simple structures like tents. This approach allows for comfort in a challenging climate while honoring cultural traditions.

Site Configuration

The layout includes a number of individual living units, each designed to provide privacy while encouraging social interaction. The arrangement allows residents to engage with each other while still having their own spaces for retreat. Functional areas such as bathrooms, living rooms, courtyards, dining rooms, kitchens, and storage are integrated into the design, creating a comprehensive living environment that supports everyday life.

Materiality and Structure

A key feature is the roof, which is made of two layers of fabric stretched over a rigid steel frame. This combination ensures both strength and effective insulation against temperature changes. Steel gives stability to the structure, while the fabric captures the essence of traditional tent designs. Thick brick panels are also part of the walls, adding thermal mass that helps maintain a comfortable temperature inside throughout the day and night.

Sustainable Features

An important element of the design is the water collection pond. This feature acts as an oasis and is essential for the residents’ daily needs. It emphasizes the project's focus on sustainability, allowing for the reuse of gray water from sinks, which promotes efficient resource management. Additionally, thomble walls are used to maintain air circulation by trapping warmth during the day and allowing for fresh airflow, making the living environment more comfortable.

Cultural Resonance

The design pays homage to local culture through ornamental details inspired by traditional Arab architecture and sacred geometric patterns. These decorative elements not only enhance the visual appeal but also connect the homes to the surrounding environment. The space encourages interaction between residents and nature, inviting a deeper appreciation of cultural heritage in daily life.

The fabric roof casts unique patterns of light and shadow indoors, changing throughout the day. This detail enriches the living experience, creating a unique atmosphere that reflects the surrounding desert landscape.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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