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Celestial Integration Within Thermal Rammed Earth Voids

Authors:
Bang giang Doan, Hoang Lam Bui, Vinh Hung Nguyen
Celestial Integration Within Thermal Rammed Earth Voids

Project in-detail

A substantial void opens to the night sky, allowing celestial light to flood a home constructed of thermal rammed earth, creating a unique interplay of space and natural elements for a residence designed for comfortable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Two voids labeled "day" and "night" create a unique light interplay throughout the home.
02
The design emphasizes a central courtyard that facilitates natural ventilation and light.
03
A large opening in the bedroom connects directly to the night sky, enhancing celestial visibility.
04
Utilization of thermal rammed earth provides thermal efficiency and sustainability.
05
The layout promotes a natural flow between functional spaces, enhancing daily living.

The design explores the relationship between light and darkness while engaging with the surrounding landscape. The house is integrated into the ground, establishing a connection with its environment. The overall concept revolves around how these elements influence human experience and create a comfortable living space.

Symmetrical Voids

Two symmetrical voids, labeled "day" and "night," are crucial features of the design. They pivot around an elongated thermal rammed earth wall, creating a connection between the different aspects of life. These voids serve as important architectural features that enhance users' experiences throughout the home.

Spatial Organization

The layout is structured around a central courtyard, which acts as a focal point for various living functions. The journey begins with the workspace and living room, flows into the kitchen and dining area, diverts away from the bathroom, and eventually leads to the bedroom. This design promotes an easy flow between areas, making daily activities straightforward and accessible.

Atmospheric Dynamics

Verticality significantly influences how light interacts within the house. As people move through the levels, the play of light and shadow changes, creating different moods in each space. The bedroom features a large void open to the night sky. This connection allows moonlight and starlight to filter in, fostering a unique relationship with the outside world.

Material Consideration

Thermal rammed earth is a key material in the structure, essential for its stability and functionality. This choice supports energy efficiency while aligning with the design's commitment to sustainability. The material contributes to a comfortable indoor environment by regulating temperature, enhancing the living experience.

The design offers a thoughtful exploration of light and darkness that enhances daily life. This interplay between the built environment and nature allows for a meaningful interaction that reflects the rhythms of human existence.

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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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