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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

Project in-detail

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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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

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