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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

Project in-detail

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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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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