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Rammed Earth Walls With Natural Ventilation and Adaptive Layout in Sustainable Community Residence

Authors:
Álvaro NicolÁs Brauchi Venegas, Thomas Wanckel, Maximiliano Olivares, Lucas Knust
Rammed Earth Walls With Natural Ventilation and Adaptive Layout in Sustainable Community Residence

Project in-detail

Utilizing rammed earth walls and innovative natural ventilation, this sustainable residence embodies an adaptive layout that enhances community living while harmonizing with its environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes rammed earth construction for enhanced thermal mass and climate responsiveness.
02
Incorporates a central courtyard to promote communal living and outdoor connectivity.
03
Features wind towers designed for maximizing natural airflow and reducing energy consumption.
04
Employs laminated wood beams to combine structural integrity with a warm aesthetic.
05
Integrates native plant landscaping to support local biodiversity and ecological sustainability.

## Overview
Al Waha House is located in a climate-sensitive region and is designed to integrate sustainable practices with cultural design elements. This residence reflects a strategic vision that accommodates human needs and environmental considerations through innovative architectural solutions. By incorporating eco-friendly materials and advanced technologies, the house offers a residential model that is both functional and aesthetically aligned with its surroundings.

## Spatial Strategy and Functionality
The architectural layout emphasizes both communal and private spaces. The ground floor consists of expansive social areas, such as a living room, dining area, and kitchens, conducive to family gatherings and social interaction. The first floor is designated for private sleeping quarters, including two smaller bedrooms and a larger master suite, creating clear spatial distinctions between public and private functions. Central to the design is a naturally vegetated atrium, enhancing natural light and ventilation while promoting biodiversity within the home.

## Materiality and Sustainability
The construction of Al Waha House utilizes a selection of sustainable materials that align with its environmental goals. Rammed earth is employed for its thermal mass, providing insulation and requiring low maintenance. Laminated wood frames facilitate flexible interior spaces, while double-glazed thermopane glass maximizes energy efficiency and daylight penetration. Natural stone is incorporated into both landscaping and interior design, contributing to local aesthetics. These material choices are coupled with finishes such as linoleum or bamboo flooring, which further minimize the ecological footprint of the residence.

The sustainability metrics are reinforced by features such as solar panels for energy generation, innovative water filtration systems, and landscape designs that enhance local biodiversity. The interplay of these elements demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship and resource efficiency, advancing the house's role as a model for future residential developments.

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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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