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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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Enter an open architecture
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Pavilion Atlas 2026: Rethinking Nations Through Architectural Storytelling

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Competition organisers

Buildner launches Pavilion Atlas 2026, a global architecture competition inviting designers to create conceptual pavilions that tell the story of a country. Participants are challenged to express cultural, social, environmental, or political identity through spatial storytelling, focusing on ideas rather than symbols or technical constraints. The competition offers a total prize fund of €20,000, with final registration open until September 16, 2026, and winners to be announced on December 8, 2026. All submissions will become part of a global design archive.

Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

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