Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Watercolor Reflections in a Desert Sanctuary

Author:
Gabrielle Fernandez
Watercolor Reflections in a Desert Sanctuary

Project in-detail

Incorporating watercolor-inspired surfaces that echo the desert's natural glow, the residence serves as a tranquil sanctuary for introspection and connection with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Watercolor-inspired surfaces reflect the surrounding desert landscape.
02
Large frames enhance panoramic views and visual connectivity.
03
Designed with a bent A-frame structure for unique aesthetics.
04
Carefully positioned openings maximize natural light throughout the day.
05
Materials echo natural textures and colors of the desert environment.

The design is situated in a desert landscape, emphasizing a strong connection with its environment. The building functions as a space for introspection, inspired by the peacefulness and clarity of the desert. The concept focuses on self-discovery, facilitated by a direct interaction between the interior spaces and the broad outdoor views.

Spatial Dynamics

The design incorporates large frames to capture panoramic vistas of the horizon, allowing the natural world to become a key element of the space. Openings are strategically placed throughout the structure, enhancing the flow between inside and outside. Natural light filters in, creating different lighting conditions that shift throughout the day, enriching the living experience.

Material Interaction

The warmth and glow of the surrounding desert are reflected in the building's surfaces, which are crafted to echo the aesthetics found in the local landscape. This careful selection of materials strengthens the bond between the structure and its environment, allowing residents to feel the essence of the desert indoors. The result is a welcoming atmosphere that aligns with the serene nature of its location.

Artistic Concept

A unique aspect of the design is the use of a watercolor theme, which adds a creative layer to the architecture. This approach plays with color and light, further connecting the space to its surroundings. As people move through the building, this concept highlights how light interacts with the environment, emphasizing the experience of being in a desert setting.

The arrangement of various architectural elements creates calming spaces that invite reflection. One notable feature is the careful framing of views, which allows residents to engage directly with the landscape, enhancing their connection to the land.

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

`
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

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