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Cross-Laminated Timber and Rammed Earth Create Sustainable Family Living Space

Author:
Attaporn Palawattanakul
Cross-Laminated Timber and Rammed Earth Create Sustainable Family Living Space

Project in-detail

Employing cross-laminated timber and rammed earth walls, this sustainable residence prioritizes energy efficiency and adaptability while fostering a strong sense of community among family spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber for structural integrity and thermal performance.
02
Incorporates rammed earth walls for natural insulation and aesthetic harmony.
03
Features outdoor terraces designed to enhance social connectivity among residents.
04
Adopts modular layouts allowing for future adaptability based on family needs.
05
Employs passive design strategies to maximize natural light and airflow.

### Overview
Villa Wonder Wall, located in the United Arab Emirates, reflects a comprehensive architectural approach that addresses both environmental and social aspects of community living. This initiative combines traditional design principles with modern aesthetics, fostering a living environment centered on well-being, cultural connectivity, and a relationship with the natural surroundings. The project emphasizes sustainable construction practices and material selection to meet the unique demands of the local climate.

### Spatial Organization and Adaptability
The spatial strategy of Villa Wonder Wall consists of a well-defined layout designed to promote both privacy and social interaction. The ground floor is organized into three distinct zones: the Front Zone, serving as a welcoming area; the Middle Zone, comprising communal living spaces; and the Back Zone, which provides intimate environments for kitchens and dining. The first floor is designated for family interaction, featuring bedrooms that overlook internal gardens, with architectural themes promoting airflow and connectivity throughout the spaces. Moreover, the design includes variable room layouts, allowing for flexibility and adaptability as residents' needs evolve over time.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The choice of materials plays a crucial role in the building's functionality and environmental performance. Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and Glulam beams create a sturdy yet lightweight structural framework, while rammed earth walls enhance thermal efficiency and visual appeal. Cork cladding offers insulation and represents an eco-conscious choice, complemented by metal and aluminum elements for practical applications like railings and louvers that facilitate natural ventilation. Additionally, solar roof panels are integrated to harness renewable energy, underscoring the project’s commitment to minimizing its ecological footprint.

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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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