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CSEB Construction with Green Roofs Creating Resilient Micro-Village Solutions

Authors:
Tamin Song, Bruce Han, Jamikorn Charoenphan
CSEB Construction with Green Roofs Creating Resilient Micro-Village Solutions

Project in-detail

Constructed using compressed stabilized earth blocks and integrated green roofs, this micro-village in Niger offers a sustainable and community-focused living solution designed to combat desertification and foster resilience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed entirely with locally sourced compressed stabilized earth blocks to reduce environmental impact.
02
Integrated green roofs that support biodiversity and rainwater harvesting for sustainable water management.
03
Circular layout design that promotes social interaction and community cohesion among residents.
04
Modular housing units allow for flexible expansion as community needs evolve over time.
05
Participatory design process engages local residents, ensuring the project meets specific community requirements.

## Project Overview

**Name:** The Green Wall
**Location:** Sahel Region, Niger
The Green Wall addresses the ecological and socio-economic challenges faced by the Sahel region, particularly climate change, desertification, and overpopulation. Designed as a micro-village, it integrates adaptive architecture with efforts for natural landscape reclamation, emphasizing sustainability, resilience, and community empowerment.

## Spatial Configuration

The Green Wall's architectural layout features organic forms that reflect the region's topography, organizing clusters of micro-homes in circular arrangements similar to traditional nomadic structures. This design promotes community cohesion and optimizes land use. A central circulation system facilitates movement between residences and communal areas, fostering social interactions while integrating local vegetation for shade and biodiversity enhancement.

## Materiality and Construction Practices

The project employs a range of sustainable materials that prioritize local availability. Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks (CSEBs) serve as the primary building material, reducing both energy consumption during manufacturing and the overall ecological footprint. Kingspan K-Guard roof panels enhance thermal efficiency, maintaining indoor comfort in Niger's hot climate while minimizing reliance on mechanical cooling. The use of plywood for interior finishes offers an adaptable and cost-effective solution. Additionally, green roof systems capture rainwater, contributing to natural cooling and aligning with the project's environmental strategy.

## Sustainability Measures

The Green Wall incorporates comprehensive sustainability practices to manage resources effectively. A rainwater harvesting system reduces reliance on groundwater and improves water management. Renewable energy sources are integrated to lessen dependence on fossil fuels. The design facilitates natural ventilation to promote thermal comfort without mechanical systems, reinforcing the project's commitment to sustainable living.

## Community Integration and Adaptability

Employing a participatory design approach, The Green Wall actively engages residents in decision-making processes. The project unfolds in phases: initially introducing self-sustaining micro-homes, followed by the organization of homes into circular clusters to enhance community ties. Shared spaces for socialization and markets are created to reinforce community bonds. The modular design allows for scalability as family needs evolve, thereby addressing urban overpopulation through support for rural living.

## Ecological Techniques and Cultural Relevance

The project employs traditional land reclamation methods, such as the "moon" technique, to connect modern architectural practices with indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage. This blend fosters a strong community identity while addressing contemporary environmental challenges. The biomorphic architectural forms not only serve functional purposes but also create a distinct visual narrative that reflects resilience and hope in the region.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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