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Community hub featuring rammed earth construction and natural light optimization

Authors:
Sara Lequaglie, Sara Randazzo, Federica Mezzatesta
Community hub featuring rammed earth construction and natural light optimization

Project in-detail

This community hub skillfully blends rammed earth construction with gracefully flowing forms and thoughtfully designed spaces that enhance natural light and foster social interaction in a harmonious relationship with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The building incorporates rammed earth walls that not only enhance thermal efficiency but also utilize local soil materials, promoting sustainability.
02
Custom-designed Wassasa windows optimize daylight while minimizing heat gain, creating a comfortable indoor environment year-round.
03
The central courtyard is landscaped with native flora, ensuring biodiversity and reducing water consumption in the arid environment.
04
Expansive overhangs are strategically placed to provide shade and improve natural ventilation, lessening the reliance on mechanical cooling systems.
05
The community hub features multi-functional spaces that can be easily adapted for various activities, fostering a sense of collaboration and interaction among users.
The architectural project known as "Flamingo Wings" represents a thoughtful exploration of modern design principles grounded in sustainability and environmental context. This project elegantly marries function and aesthetics, creating a space that serves multiple purposes while forging a connection with its surrounding landscape. The design aims to resonate with the natural qualities of its environment while promoting a sense of community.

"Flamingo Wings" serves as a multi-functional hub, integrating spaces dedicated to community engagement, education, and relaxation. Key areas within the project include a reception area that serves as an inviting introduction to visitors, a training room adaptable for various activities, and a café that encourages social interaction through outdoor seating arrangements. The layout has been carefully considered to facilitate navigation and interaction among visitors, creating a flow that enhances the user experience.

In terms of architectural details, the project showcases a series of uniquely designed elements that contribute to its overall narrative. The use of mudbrick or rammed earth for the walls underscores a commitment to sustainable practices, providing natural insulation and reducing energy consumption. This choice of material reflects a deeper understanding of local resources and climatic conditions. The inclusion of wooden roof tiles adds warmth and character, while also ensuring weather resiliency.

The integration of glass elements, particularly through Wassasa windows, allows for ample natural light to illuminate the interior spaces. This not only fosters a welcoming atmosphere but also minimizes the need for artificial lighting, aligning with energy-efficient design principles. The expansive overhangs that characterize the building form provide shade, protecting interior spaces from excessive heat while promoting passive ventilation strategies that enhance comfort without relying heavily on mechanical systems.

A focal point of the design is the open courtyard at the center of the project, which serves as a communal gathering space. This area is carefully landscaped to feature native flora, supporting biodiversity and conserving water, which is essential in arid climates. This thoughtful integration of nature not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also emphasizes the project's commitment to environmental stewardship.

The architectural design showcases a balance between built structures and the natural landscape, with the project being strategically located to maximize views and interaction with the surroundings. The overall form of the building reflects organic shapes inspired by the natural world, reminiscent of the wings of a flamingo. This design approach evokes a sense of fluidity and movement, breaking away from conventional architectural forms.

Sustainability is inherent in the project’s ethos, with features such as photovoltaic systems incorporated to harness solar energy, thus reducing the overall ecological footprint. Additionally, thoughtful water management strategies address local climatic challenges while ensuring that the landscape remains vibrant and inviting.

The "Flamingo Wings" project stands as a model for contemporary architecture that prioritizes not just the aesthetic and functional needs but also the environmental impact. With its unique design approaches, the project invites those interested in architecture to delve deeper into its details. Exploring the architectural plans, sections, and overall design concepts can provide valuable insights into the methodologies that shaped this exceptional project. For anyone keen to understand how modern architectural ideas can be applied effectively within their contexts, investigating this project further will reveal a wealth of information and inspiration.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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