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Vertical Gardens and Greywater Systems in Sustainable Desert Housing

Authors:
Wilson Lopes Do Nascimento Junior, Valerio Ziantoni, Gabriela Vitória Carvalho, João Pedro Pina
Vertical Gardens and Greywater Systems in Sustainable Desert Housing

Project in-detail

The integration of vertical gardens and greywater recycling systems characterizes an architectural response to desert living, designed to create a self-sufficient residence that harmonizes with its challenging environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates aquaponics for food production within the residential framework.
02
Features living walls that improve air quality and promote biodiversity.
03
Utilizes a central void to enhance natural ventilation and light penetration.
04
Employs clay bricks for thermal mass, optimizing energy efficiency.
05
Incorporates a greywater recycling system for irrigation and domestic use.

The Terrarium House is an architectural project designed for a desert environment, focusing on sustainability and self-sufficiency. This design embodies a melding of innovative architectural strategies with a commitment to ecological balance. It presents a model for how architecture can coexist with and enhance its natural surroundings while addressing contemporary issues related to climate and resource management.

The primary function of the Terrarium House is to serve as a residential space that promotes a sustainable lifestyle. Its core features include vertical gardens, efficient water recycling systems, and integrated food production methods. The design facilitates year-round inhabitation by optimizing natural light and airflow, ensuring comfort while minimizing energy consumption.

Innovative Integration of Natural Elements

The design incorporates living walls and green towers that not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also contribute to environmental health. These vertical gardens support biodiversity by allowing native plant species to thrive, thereby improving local ecosystems. The use of a central void in the home’s layout enhances natural ventilation and daylighting, contributing to a healthier indoor environment. Furthermore, the distinctive brick facade, crafted from eco-friendly clay bricks, provides thermal insulation, working to maintain a stable indoor climate despite external temperature fluctuations.

Sustainable Systems for Self-Sufficiency

A key aspect of the Terrarium House is its self-sufficient systems. The architecture integrates advanced water management techniques, including greywater recycling for irrigation and sanitation, aligning with sustainable living principles. The aquaponic systems embedded within the design enable food cultivation, creating a closed-loop that minimizes waste and encourages self-reliance. The incorporation of these systems not only meets the needs of the inhabitants but also engages with the ecological context by reducing the environmental footprint of the household.

The Terrarium House stands out within the context of contemporary architectural practices by balancing innovative design with essential environmental considerations. The focus on sustainable materials, coupled with the functionality of living systems, demonstrates a clear understanding of modern residential demands in adverse climates. For those interested in exploring the full scope of this architectural endeavor, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs, further details can be reviewed in the project presentation. Discover how the Terrarium House exemplifies a practical response to current architectural challenges, effectively combining form and function in a unique way.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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