Desert Survival Home Design

What if the Earth transformed into a desert due to escalating global warming? The world is currently experiencing severe heat waves as a direct result of this phenomenon. Without intervention, the Earth could potentially become a desert in the near future.

To address this issue, I have created a Resilient Home Design tailored to thrive in harsh desert conditions. By focusing on protection from extreme climates, wildlife, water scarcity, food sources, and more, my design aims to ensure survival in a desert environment.

1. TINKERCAD
2. Heat Reflective tiles
3. Wood
4. Solar Panel
5. Wind Mills
6. Food Generation Station
7. Water Recycling Station
8. Energy Generating Station
9. Water pump
10. Air Conditioners
11. Smart Glass
12. PIR Motion sensor
13. Electric Blankets
14. Cooling vest
15. Concrete

I decided to make my design simple yet resilient. There is no need to make complex designs. The more complex the design is, the more difficult it becomes to build it on sand. My design is not like science fiction design. Firstly, I researched about the basic requirements needed to tackle the harsh climate of desert. These were food, water, electricity, Suitable Temperature, and Protection from wildlife.

For food, Plants can be grown in a controlled environment. Then comes water, without which life can't exist. I researched on the Internet and found that deserts have large reservoirs of groundwater called aquifers. For example, Some of the world's largest supplies of underground water exist beneath the Sahara Desert, supporting about 90 major oases there. For this reason, i have included Rain water harvesting system and a borewell deep enough to reach groundwater. Major requirements such an food and Water are completed.

Now comes the main challenge!! Building a resilient house on loose sand. When I researched on this, I found that Burj Khalifa is also built in soft sedimentary rocks. I got curious and studied the base of the sky scraper. I found that the tall skyscraper has closely stacked steel plates twice the length of Statue of Liberty. The friction force between sand and steel plates keeps Burj Khalifa in place. I've also included this concept in my design. Further Challenges and Requirements are discussed further in detail.

In my architectural design, all structures will be constructed using concrete for durability. The exterior walls will be reinforced to endure strong winds, and concrete's high thermal heat capacity will provide excellent insulation. To establish a stable foundation on loose sand, Steel and Concrete plates twice the length of the buildings will be embedded, ensuring enhanced support through the force of friction between the sand and the plates, a method also seen in the construction of the Burj Khalifa.

The house will feature heat-reflective tiles to regulate temperature, solar panels for energy generation, and a rainwater harvesting system stored in an underground tank. Wooden furniture will be used for its heat insulation properties, along with air conditioners for cooling and heating, and a fireplace for warmth.

A central control room will manage power generation, water recycling, food production, and security. The house will be elevated to deter creatures like scorpions, ensuring safety.

Well-ventilated with windows on both sides, the people inhouse will utilize cooling vests with Peltier modules for hot days, and warming vests or electric blankets for energy-efficient heating at night. All buildings will be painted white to reflect light, aiding in temperature control.

Motion sensors (PIR sensors) will activate lighting, alongside an antenna for communication, and basic furnishings including a bed, sofa, and refrigerator will be provided.

NOTE: There are many architectural designs which can keep the house more ventilated and cool, still I have not included them in my design as they work on principle of cooling effect caused due to evaporation of water. This will require water for natural cooling. Water is scarce in desert, that is why I have used Air Conditioners/Peltier plates to keep the house cool to save water.

My design comprises a solar farm, a windmill, and a conventional power generator.

• The solar farm will feature advanced solar panels with LDR sensors and motors to adjust their position based on the Sun's movement. Utilizing top-tier solar panels capable of converting a high percentage of sunlight into electricity.

• During cloudy days with minimal wind, the windmill will provide power for the residence. If the wind is also calm, the traditional power generator will take over. Various materials such as coal, petroleum, kitchen waste, and plant waste can be burned to produce energy.

• Waste from gutters and kitchens will be processed in a chamber with earthworms and microbes that decompose the waste, producing methane gas and fertilizer. The methane gas can be burned for power generation, while the fertilizer can be used for plant cultivation. Additionally, methane gas can serve as a cooking fuel.

• In summary, power production will not rely solely on solar, wind, or fossil fuels. The generated energy will be stored in a battery for future use.

The building will feature heat-reflective tiles and a roof made of smart glass, which can adjust light entry through electricity. Additionally, the station will incorporate a drip irrigation system for water conservation, along with humidity sensors, LDR sensors, and soil moisture sensors.

To promote plant growth, a humidifier will maintain ideal humidity levels, the LDR will operate the smart glass, and the soil moisture sensor will manage water flow in the irrigation system. The plants will thrive in a temperature-controlled setting.

Specifically, water-efficient plants like millets will be cultivated due to their low water consumption and high nutritional value. All sensors will be centrally controlled from the house's control unit.

I have added a rainwater harvesting system to collect water from scanty rain. The water will be stored in an underground tank. My design also includes a water pump to draw water from underground and store it in the tank.

I have also included a water recycling unit to recycle up to 90% of the water. The house and food-generating station are connected to the tank. There is a common building for the water recycling station, traditional power generator, and methane-producing chamber.

The house is fenced with tall walls to prevent animals that can jump high. There are motion detection cameras to detect the movement of animals around the house and alert the people inside.

As discussed earlier, the house is built on a raised platform to prevent small insects and animals from entering. There will be a smart lamp system around the house that will blink at night to keep nocturnal animals away, as they avoid light.

I've also made physical Prototype

For survival, its necessary to reuse and recycle as much as possible. Life in desert is not easy. We should make sure that our planet shouldn't turn into a desert.

I hope that you will find my design interesting. Thank you for reading my instructable :)