Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Utilizing Mud and Limestone for Sustainable Desert Living Solutions

Author:
Paula Bloma
Utilizing Mud and Limestone for Sustainable Desert Living Solutions

Project in-detail

Incorporating locally sourced limestone and mud, the design creates a self-sustaining community that effectively addresses the challenges of desert living while promoting environmental sensitivity and resource efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes mud and limestone as primary building materials for enhanced thermal performance.
02
Incorporates wind catchers for passive cooling, reducing energy demand.
03
Integrates vertical farming systems within residential units for food self-sufficiency.
04
Employs rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling for effective water management.
05
Features a layout that encourages community interaction while ensuring privacy.

### Project Overview
Located in the United Arab Emirates, the "Desert Oasis" community is designed to address the challenges of living in arid environments through an off-grid, self-sustaining approach. It integrates modern building practices with traditional principles to create a sustainable living environment that emphasizes energy independence, water conservation, food production, and the use of eco-friendly materials. The overarching goal is to establish a harmonious relationship between residents and the natural desert landscape.

### Spatial Configuration
The spatial organization promotes community connectivity while preserving individual privacy. Residential units are strategically positioned to create defined zones, facilitating intimate living arrangements. The layout includes a basement for storage, a ground floor containing living and service areas, and upper levels accommodating bedrooms and recreational spaces. This configuration allows for adaptability to accommodate growing families or multi-generational households, reflecting the project’s focus on flexibility.

### Materiality and Environmental Strategies
The use of locally sourced materials, such as limestone, mud, and seashells, is a fundamental aspect of the design, contributing to the building's sustainability and environmental integration. Limestone serves as an insulator, while mud enhances thermal mass for energy efficiency. Seashells are employed for structural support and aesthetic appeal. Furthermore, the project incorporates passive cooling techniques, including wind towers and automated airflow systems, to maintain comfortable interior conditions without relying on excessive energy consumption. Comprehensive water management strategies ensure efficient collection, purification, and reuse of this vital resource.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`

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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy