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Curvilinear Structure Featuring Transparent Façade and Sustainable Rammed Earth Design

Author:
Jana Ahmed Mohamed Altaf Mohamed
Curvilinear Structure Featuring Transparent Façade and Sustainable Rammed Earth Design

Project in-detail

A curvilinear form with a transparent façade crafted from reinforced concrete and local materials creates an immersive experience that celebrates geological history while serving as an educational sanctuary in the Faiyum region.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes rammed earth for sustainable insulation and environmental harmony.
02
Features a transparent façade that enhances visual connectivity with the landscape.
03
Incorporates curvilinear forms inspired by prehistoric fossils for unique aesthetics.
04
Integrates local materials to minimize environmental impact and promote regional identity.
05
Designed with flexible interior spaces to accommodate various educational functions.

### Overview
Arsino-Oasis is located in the Faiyum region of Egypt, an area renowned for its rich geological and archaeological heritage. The design draws inspiration from the region's ancient history, particularly the prehistoric species Arsinoitherium, positioning itself as both a refuge and an educational facility focused on the historical and ecological significance of the local environment.

### Spatial Strategy
The architectural layout features organic forms that reflect prehistoric fossils, fostering a fluid relationship with the surrounding topography. The building's asymmetrical configurations and curvilinear structures invite an exploration of space, encouraging user interaction while providing areas designated for quiet contemplation. Elevated above the rugged terrain, the design employs an innovative foundation system that minimizes disturbance to the natural landscape, promoting both stability and visual appeal. The semi-translucent façade, equipped with large glass panels, facilitates natural light penetration, enhancing the building's energy efficiency and establishing a strong connection between interior environments and the outdoor scenery.

### Materiality and Sustainability
Careful selection of materials contributes to both the aesthetic and sustainable objectives of the project. Reinforced concrete serves as the backbone of the structure, ensuring durability while accommodating intricate shapes. A significant emphasis is placed on glass, which enhances transparency and visual engagement with the environment. The structural framework utilizes steel to provide strength with reduced weight, allowing for flexible design opportunities. Additionally, the potential integration of local resources, such as rammed earth or recycled materials, further emphasizes the project's commitment to environmental responsibility and enhances its contextual relevance within the Faiyum landscape.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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