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Compressed Earth Facade with Rainwater Collection in a Compact Woodland Residence

Authors:
Sebastian Mejia Silva, Miguel Angel Parra Franco, Jakeline Gil Saldarriaga, Laura Rivera Salazar
Compressed Earth Facade with Rainwater Collection in a Compact Woodland Residence
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Constructed with compressed earth blocks and elevated on metal stilts, this compact residence in a wooded area incorporates a rainwater collection system to create a sustainable living space for a painter and a chef.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced compressed earth blocks.
02
Elevated on metal stilts to minimize environmental impact.
03
Incorporates a rainwater collection system for water efficiency.
04
Features large windows for natural light and landscape views.
05
Includes a dry composting system for organic waste management.

Khaki Home is located in a wooded area on the outskirts of Medellín, Colombia. Designed for a painter and a chef, the residence focuses on creating a strong connection with nature. The overall design concept revolves around blending the home with the surrounding landscape, which is rich in flowers and greenery. This relationship not only enriches the living experience but also respects the cultural context of the region.

Spatial Organization
The design measures approximately twenty-five square meters and is elevated on metal stilts. This elevation reduces the environmental impact and offers protection against potential flooding. The layout is functional and compact, featuring a combined living and working area, a bedroom, and storage spaces. Efficient use of space allows for comfort and practicality, ensuring that the needs of its residents are met in a harmonious way.

Facade and Materiality
The exterior of Khaki Home is clad in BTC blocks made from compressed earth that is sourced directly from the site. This choice of material promotes sustainability by minimizing transportation emissions. It also creates a tactile and visual link to the local environment. Large windows are strategically placed to maximize natural light while framing picturesque views of the landscape. This feature enhances the interior space, allowing the outside scenery to become a part of daily life.

Sustainable Systems
Khaki Home incorporates ecological systems to promote energy and water efficiency. A rainwater collection system is in place, capturing rain and reusing it for essential tasks like laundry and dishwashing. The design also incorporates renewable energy solutions, including wind turbines and photovoltaic tiles, to meet energy needs. These systems showcase the commitment to sustainable living while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Landscape Integration
The design supports a dry composting system that efficiently handles organic waste. By allowing feces storage beneath the house, the project nourishes nearby plants, further emphasizing ecological sustainability. Careful attention to landscaping ensures that Khaki Home integrates with its environment, enhancing both the aesthetic and ecological qualities of the area.

Natural light floods the interior through the expansive windows, creating a bright, inviting atmosphere. The elevated form and layout enable a smooth transition between the home and the landscape, reinforcing the connection to nature. Such design features reflect the careful consideration of both function and environment, ensuring a comfortable living experience.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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