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Cohesive Ecology With Straw Clay Walls and Constructed Wetlands for Sustainable Living

Author:
Daria Szalinska
Cohesive Ecology With Straw Clay Walls and Constructed Wetlands for Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Constructed using straw clay walls and incorporating a natural wetland, the design emphasizes sustainability and ecological integration while providing a self-sufficient living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using Ecobuild paste, a blend of local soil and straw, for optimal thermal performance.
02
Features a mini ecosystem with a constructed wetland for natural water filtration and wildlife habitat.
03
Incorporates an onsite rainwater harvesting system for sustainable water management.
04
Utilizes reclaimed timber throughout to minimize environmental impact and enhance aesthetic appeal.
05
Includes integrated spaces for urban agriculture, such as beekeeping and chicken coops, promoting self-sufficiency.

## Project Overview

Located in the Hamptons, New York, this architectural design concept emphasizes sustainability and ecological integration as foundational principles. Designed by Amir and Lior, the project includes the Modern Cob House and the Ecobuild Mobile vehicle, aiming to establish a housing model that prioritizes environmental consciousness and community engagement. The project serves not only as a residence but also as a catalyst for sustainable practices within the local area.

### Spatial and Functional Strategy

The Modern Cob House is a compact, self-sufficient structure that fosters a living ecosystem, incorporating features such as a chicken coop, beehive, garden, and composting system. The Ecobuild Mobile vehicle facilitates the onsite production of sustainable building materials, minimizing resource consumption and reducing construction waste. The design also includes a constructed wetland, providing natural water purification while promoting biodiversity. This approach to spatial organization emphasizes multi-functionality and community interaction, allowing residents to engage in gardening, animal husbandry, and social gatherings.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The project employs local and sustainable materials to reduce the environmental footprint of construction. Key materials include Ecobuild Mobile Paste, which combines straw, local soil, oyster shells, and saltwater for wall construction. Reclaimed timber is used for structural support, while straw insulation and clay plaster enhance energy efficiency and indoor climate control. Expansive natural glass windows maximize natural light and foster a connection to the landscape. Furthermore, an earthen floor with underfloor heating, powered by a composting system, reflects a commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency. The careful selection of these materials underscores the project's intention to create structures that harmonize with their environment while addressing modern housing needs.

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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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