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Wind Tower and Lightweight Mesh Screens Enhance Sustainable Living in Desert Residential Design

Author:
Maximo Dario Abarca Runruil
Wind Tower and Lightweight Mesh Screens Enhance Sustainable Living in Desert Residential Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing a wind tower for natural ventilation and lightweight mesh screens for solar control, this residential design optimally integrates into its desert landscape while fostering community interaction and sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a wind tower for natural ventilation without mechanical systems.
02
Incorporates lightweight mesh screens to effectively control solar exposure.
03
Features a circular layout that enhances spatial flow and community interaction.
04
Employs rainwater harvesting systems tailored for arid environments.
05
Integrates natural stone cladding for climate resilience and aesthetic cohesion.

### Overview

"L'escargot du désert" is situated in a desert environment and aims to integrate contemporary design principles with environmental sustainability. Spanning an area of 397 square meters, the building is organized over three levels, including the ground floor, first floor, and potential future expansions. Its design responds to the unique characteristics of the arid landscape, promoting comfort while ensuring stylistic relevance.

### Spatial Organization

The ground floor is fundamentally designed for public interaction, featuring a prominent entrance that leads to communal spaces with open-plan layouts, fostering social engagement. This level includes service areas such as a garage and utility rooms, alongside landscaped outdoor spaces that promote tranquility and accessibility from interior areas. The first floor is reserved for private quarters, comprising multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, and personal terraces, as well as shared living spaces that benefit from large windows, offering expansive views and ample natural light. Provisions for future expansions are incorporated to accommodate evolving housing needs.

### Materiality and Environmental Strategy

The selection of materials aligns with both aesthetic and functional objectives. Reinforced concrete provides structural integrity and thermal mass, crucial for managing indoor climates. Glass facades enhance visual transparency while allowing for passive solar gain, complemented by natural stone cladding that integrates the structure into its desert surroundings. Lightweight mesh screens serve to control light and create shaded areas, addressing heat mitigation effectively.

The design includes natural ventilation systems, notably a wind tower that facilitates airflow, enhancing livability without mechanical dependence. Water management strategies, such as rainwater harvesting and advanced drainage systems, underscore the project's commitment to sustainability in a desert context. Additionally, the integration of green roofs and terraces contributes to biodiversity and ecological resilience within the architectural framework.

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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