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Adobe Bricks and Natural Stone Foster Community Connectivity in Sustainable Residential Design

Authors:
Milica JakovljeviĆ, Dragana Šupeta
Adobe Bricks and Natural Stone Foster Community Connectivity in Sustainable Residential Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing adobe bricks and natural stone, the design enhances thermal performance while fostering community interaction in a sustainable residential environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes local adobe bricks for superior thermal performance in arid conditions.
02
Integrates a central garden to enhance natural airflow and light throughout the home.
03
Incorporates traditional wind towers, promoting natural cooling and ventilation.
04
Features multifunctional spaces that adapt to family dynamics and community gatherings.
05
Employs rainwater harvesting systems to promote sustainability and water conservation.

### Overview

Located in a diverse neighborhood characterized by its desert climate, the design project integrates modern architectural practices with traditional cultural values. The intent is to create a residential space that honors local heritage while incorporating sustainable methodologies and innovative construction techniques. The analysis focuses on the project's unique attributes, including its spatial organization, material choices, and overall design philosophy.

### Conceptual Framework and Design Intent

The concept centers on "The Spirit of Culture," emphasizing a harmonious balance between contemporary living and traditional aesthetics. The design incorporates local materials and architectural forms, emphasizing privacy, sustainability, and a seamless relationship between indoor and outdoor environments. Key to this approach is the use of traditional building methods alongside modern technology, which enhances livability and minimizes environmental impact, thereby fostering sustainable practices among residents.

### Site Planning and Spatial Configuration

The site plan is intentionally organized to establish both communal and private spaces, meeting the needs of family dynamics while enhancing neighborhood connectivity.

**Key Features:**
- **Central Garden:** A focal point that encourages social interaction while improving natural ventilation and light.
- **Public and Private Zones:** Distinct areas for family-oriented activities and personal retreat create a balanced environment that supports community engagement alongside personal privacy.

Three levels of the structure further articulate this functional approach. The ground floor includes communal zones such as a living room and kitchen, directly linked to the garden. The first floor houses private bedrooms and a family lounge oriented towards the garden, while the second floor introduces a roof garden, facilitating outdoor leisure while optimizing airflow and views.

### Materials and Construction Techniques

A thoughtful selection of materials is integral to the architectural design, prioritizing both sustainability and visual appeal.

**Material Choices:**
- **Adobe Bricks:** Enhance thermal insulation and reflect traditional desert building practices.
- **Natural Stone:** Provides durability and aesthetic value in pathways and structural elements.
- **Glass Facades:** Maximize natural light and strengthen the connection to the outdoors.
- **Metal Components:** Offer modern finishes and structural support.

These materials contribute to an immersive interior environment, enriching the user experience through varied textures and rhythms.

### Sustainability Initiatives

Sustainability is a core tenet of the design, evidenced by various eco-friendly features:

**Sustainable Strategies:**
- **Natural Cooling Systems:** Employ cross-ventilation for effective airflow throughout the dwelling.
- **Rainwater Harvesting:** Implement systems for collecting and reusing water, promoting resource conservation.
- **Strategic Orientation and Shading:** The careful placement of windows and shaded areas minimizes energy consumption while acknowledging traditional passive cooling methods.

This approach balances innovative eco-technologies with historical practices, showcasing a commitment to sustainability that significantly reduces the structure's environmental footprint.

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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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