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3D-Printed Earth Bricks Create a Floating Structure for Sustainable Living

Author:
Daniel Fraile Ortiz
3D-Printed Earth Bricks Create a Floating Structure for Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with 3D-printed earth bricks and designed as a floating structure, this sustainable residence in Dubai offers a flexible living space that integrates seamlessly with its desert landscape while emphasizing energy efficiency and modularity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using 3D-printed earth bricks, reducing construction waste.
02
The design incorporates a floating upper level to enhance natural ventilation.
03
Modular components allow for future expansions based on user needs.
04
Landscaping includes native plants to promote biodiversity and water conservation.
05
Integrates solar panels and rainwater harvesting for energy and water efficiency.

## Project Overview

The "Clay Tent" is situated in Dubai, a city characterized by its blend of traditional and modern architectural influences. Designed for a compact 30'x15' plot, the project challenges conventional residential concepts, positioning itself as a prototype for mass housing solutions in urban environments. By combining modern design principles with sustainable practices, the intent is to establish new benchmarks in residential architecture that are both innovative and contextually relevant.

## Spatial Configuration

The spatial layout of the residence is designed to balance public and private domains effectively. The ground floor comprises interactive communal areas, including a living room, dining space, and kitchen, promoting a convivial atmosphere. The upper level is dedicated to private quarters, featuring multiple bedrooms and bathrooms strategically oriented for optimal natural light and views. The design allows for modular expansion, enabling adaptation to changing family requirements through the integration of additional modules, thereby enhancing flexibility in urban living.

## Materiality and Sustainability

Material choices are pivotal to the project's identity, merging traditional and contemporary construction techniques. Key elements include 3D-printed earth bricks for the foundational structure, concrete for structural stability in the upper levels, and extensive use of glass to enhance transparency and visual connectivity with the surrounding landscape. Wood accents in the facade and interior spaces foster an organic relationship with nature.

Sustainability is integral, with features such as solar panels for renewable energy generation, passive solar heating, and rainwater harvesting systems designed to minimize environmental impact. The use of 3D printing technology facilitates rapid construction while reducing material waste, contributing to both the efficiency of the build and the overall ecological footprint of the dwelling.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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