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Compressed Earth Blocks and Natural Timber Forming Sustainable Community Spaces in Arid Climates

Author:
Yiqing Wang
Compressed Earth Blocks and Natural Timber Forming Sustainable Community Spaces in Arid Climates

Project in-detail

Utilizing compressed earth blocks and natural timber, the design creates a sustainable communal space that harmonizes with the desert environment while fostering social connections among residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced compressed earth blocks to minimize environmental impact.
02
Features a central Grand Majlis designed for flexible communal activities.
03
Incorporates passive ventilation strategies tailored for desert climates.
04
Integrates native flora into the landscaping for ecological support.
05
Employs a modular design that allows for reconfiguration based on community needs.

### Project Overview

ToGatherShip is situated in a desert landscape and is designed to foster community engagement through innovative spatial configurations and sustainable material usage. The concept is to create a versatile living environment that emphasizes the relationship between people and nature, incorporating traditional values alongside modern design principles. A notable feature is the Grand Majlis, a central gathering space that reflects cultural heritage and facilitates social interaction.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience

The project’s layout centers around a communal area conducive to social activities, enhancing the experience of hospitality. The structure layers both horizontally and vertically to accommodate diverse interactions while honoring traditional gathering practices. Breezeways and strategic openings, including clerestory windows, support natural ventilation and thermal comfort, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling. This design promotes an adaptable and dynamic space that can easily adjust to varying uses while minimizing construction waste.

### Material Use and Environmental Considerations

The primary building material consists of compressed stabilized earth blocks (CSEB), selected for their local availability and energy-efficient properties. Complementary natural timber accents and glass panels create a warm aesthetic while ensuring adequate natural light and connection to the surrounding environment. This emphasis on locally sourced materials not only helps reduce the ecological footprint but also reinforces the project’s integration with the local ecosystem. Landscaping with native flora further enhances ecological harmony and supports local biodiversity, aligning with the overarching sustainability goals of the design.

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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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