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Water Gardens and Integrated Photovoltaics in Sustainable Desert Housing

Author:
Sunggi Park
Water Gardens and Integrated Photovoltaics in Sustainable Desert Housing

Project in-detail

Integrating water gardens and solar-harvesting BIPV systems, the design creates a sustainable living environment tailored for desert conditions, promoting community interaction and thermal comfort in residential spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates water gardens as cooling features throughout the community.
02
Utilizes Building Integrated Photovoltaics for renewable energy generation.
03
Designed for optimal passive ventilation leveraging local wind patterns.
04
Landscaped with native vegetation to minimize water usage.
05
Constructed with durable laminated concrete for environmental resilience.

### Project Overview
Oasis Housing is situated in a desert region, specifically designed to address the unique challenges posed by the climate while fostering a sense of community. The architectural intent emphasizes sustainable practices and natural integration, particularly the thoughtful use of water, to create comfortable living environments for residents. The design responds to the region's arid conditions while promoting social interaction and enhancing landscape connectivity.

### Spatial Organization and Community Engagement
The design capitalizes on the essential elements of water and wind, creating an architectural layout that enhances the living experience. Water features are incorporated not only for aesthetic appeal but also to provide functional cooling benefits. Structures are strategically oriented to optimize natural ventilation, thereby reducing reliance on mechanical systems. Communal spaces such as gardens and plazas are intentionally included to encourage social interactions among residents, supporting a cohesive community atmosphere.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The project employs a range of innovative materials that contribute to both its functionality and aesthetics. Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) on rooftops enhance renewable energy use, while laminated concrete offers structural robustness and a modern aesthetic. Natural materials such as limestone and aggregate are utilized for their durability and ecological fit within the landscape. The incorporation of water through various features not only enhances the microclimate but also integrates seamlessly into the overall design, promoting an environmentally conscious living space that reflects a commitment to sustainability.

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

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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

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
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