Extreme Habitat: A Sustainable Vernacular Architecture Model in the Sahara Desert

In the face of accelerating climate change, the need for sustainable architecture is more urgent than ever. "Revival. Vernacular Architecture." a shortlisted entry by Małgorzata Snela and Patrycja Jędra for the EHC - Sahara competition, is an innovative proposal situated in the Sahara Desert, Mauritania. This visionary project aims to reduce the embodied energy of the building life cycle by embracing vernacular building techniques and restoring autonomy to local communities.

The design draws heavily from traditional desert architecture, using materials like adobe, rammed earth, and cob—proven to perform well in arid environments due to their thermal mass and passive cooling benefits. The urban layout is based on modular, expandable housing units tailored to meet the evolving needs of families, thereby ensuring long-term adaptability and community cohesion.

Inspired by the work of Hassan Fathy, the project advocates for an architectural pedagogy rooted in craftsmanship and traditional knowledge. It envisions a new Institute of Earthen Architecture that revives and advances passive house concepts while fostering innovation through local participation.

Key infrastructural components include:

• Passive cooling techniques (mashrabiya, takhtabush, qanats)
• Zoning strategies for public, semi-public, and private spaces
• Integration of photovoltaic stations and vertical gardens
• A hyperloop transportation system to connect the settlement to wider urban networks

The architecture is not just about form but function—offering resilience, comfort, and sustainability. The project demonstrates how sustainable architecture can offer practical, scalable solutions to future climate challenges while empowering communities to reclaim their built environment.

Project by: Małgorzata Snela, Patrycja Jędra

Shortlisted Entry: Extreme Habitat Challenge - Sahara