Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

3D Printed Earth Walls and Circular Grid Design for Modular Living Spaces

Authors:
Mohammed Mamdouh Saad Mohammed Hammad, Mohamed Ramadan, Shahed Shann, Deena Mohamed Elmahdy Ahmed Hassanin, Lobna Khoribi
3D Printed Earth Walls and Circular Grid Design for Modular Living Spaces

Project in-detail

With its 3D printed earth walls and adaptable circular grid layout, this modular living space redefines residential design through sustainable materials and innovative construction methods, creating a versatile home environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
3D printed walls utilize locally sourced materials for enhanced sustainability.
02
The circular grid layout allows for flexible spatial configurations.
03
Incorporation of wind catchers optimizes natural ventilation without mechanical systems.
04
Adaptable solar panel systems adjust to daily energy needs.
05
The design merges traditional Gulf architectural elements with modern construction techniques.

## Project Overview
Located in the United Arab Emirates, Kasha-ča explores contemporary residential living through a focus on adaptability, sustainability, and innovative construction methods. At its core, the design features a modular home constructed using 3D printing technology, structured around a circular grid with a diameter of 4 meters, which is subdivided into 20 segments. This framework is designed to facilitate the reconfiguration of living spaces, allowing for flexibility that responds to the evolving needs of its occupants. The architectural form is inspired by traditional Gulf designs, while the integration of 3D-printed elements enhances its modern relevance.

## Spatial Strategy and User Integration
The design incorporates a deliberate spatial arrangement that enhances both natural light penetration and the efficient use of space. The layout features multiple layered interiors, with distinct functional areas tailored to accommodate communal and private activities. The ground floor contains essential communal spaces, including kitchens, dining areas, and living rooms, fostering interaction among residents. Upper floors are designated for privacy, featuring bedrooms and home offices. This strategic organization ensures that each circular unit serves a specific purpose while promoting a harmonious living environment.

## Sustainability and Material Innovations
The project prioritizes ecological practices through thoughtful material selection and passive design strategies. Significant features include 3D-printed earth-based walls that offer superior thermal insulation and are composed of locally sourced materials, such as soil and natural fibers. Additional innovations, such as rotational solar panels and low-tech air conditioning systems, optimize energy efficiency and improve indoor air quality. Wind catchers and adjustable shading panels further address the UAE's harsh climate by regulating temperature and promoting ventilation. The combination of these elements fosters a sustainable living environment, emphasizing the importance of environmental stewardship in contemporary architectural practice.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy