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Adobe Blocks and Earthbags Create a Sustainable Community Oasis

Authors:
Maribel Ruiz, Yeganeh Malouhi
Adobe Blocks and Earthbags Create a Sustainable Community Oasis

Project in-detail

Constructed from adobe blocks and earthbags, this design integrates a sustainable water management system and energy-efficient features to create a wellness-focused community space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using two layers of adobe blocks for enhanced durability.
02
Incorporates a rainwater cistern and grey water filter for efficient water management.
03
Features a 30KW photovoltaic array for renewable energy use.
04
Includes a stepped zen garden that promotes relaxation and mindfulness.
05
Utilizes local earthbags to minimize environmental impact and promote sustainability.

The design emphasizes sustainability and a careful use of local resources, situated in an area that promotes community interaction and individual well-being. The overall concept revolves around reducing excavation and employing cost-effective construction methods. It aims for a balance between the built environment and nature.

Structural Integrity and Material Use
The construction utilizes two layers of adobe blocks, which provide stability while reflecting eco-friendly principles. A concrete retaining wall adds strength to the structure and supports the surrounding landscape, ensuring durability for outdoor features.

Renewable Energy and Lighting
A notable aspect is the inclusion of a 30KW photovoltaic array. This renewable energy system highlights a commitment to using clean power. Lighting strategies also play an important role. Daylighting techniques are combined with LED cove lighting and LED strips, creating bright interiors while maintaining energy efficiency.

Water Conservation Techniques
Water management is addressed through an integrated system featuring irrigation tuning, a rainwater cistern, and a grey water filter. Perforated pipes are used for both rainwater collection and greywater recycling, showcasing practical methods for conserving natural resources and enhancing ecological sustainability.

Landscape and Functional Spaces
The landscape contributes to the overall experience with features like a green roof, a sustainable pond, and a stepped zen garden. These elements create a peaceful environment for relaxation. Adobe benches and rosemary bushes add both practicality and aesthetic appeal. The design encourages interaction with nature, enhancing the quality of life for residents.

The arrangement of indoor and outdoor spaces emphasizes active engagement with surroundings. Attention to detail invites occupants to make full use of their environment, fostering a connection to the land and community.

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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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