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Cylindrical Structure Enhanced by Laterite Plaster and Vetiver Canopy for Sustainable Living

Author:
Ifeanyi Emmanuel Ugbojiaku
Cylindrical Structure Enhanced by Laterite Plaster and Vetiver Canopy for Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Nestled in the heart of Imo State, a cylindrical dwelling utilizes locally sourced laterite plaster and an innovative vetiver canopy to create a sustainable residence designed for couples seeking an intimate connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cylindrical form minimizes wind resistance for enhanced durability.
02
Utilizes locally sourced laterite plaster for natural insulation.
03
Incorporates a vetiver canopy for temperature regulation and moisture retention.
04
Features large openings for optimal natural light and ventilation.
05
Designed specifically for couples, fostering intimacy and connection with nature.

### Project Overview

The Modern Hut House, located in the rural context of Imo State, Nigeria, serves as an innovative response to both environmental challenges and cultural heritage. This design reflects traditional African hut forms while incorporating contemporary sustainable practices, effectively merging historical references with modern architectural techniques.

### Spatial Organization and User Interaction

Covering an area of 25 square meters and primarily accommodating couples, the house is designed in a cylindrical shape to reduce wind resistance, crucial in the region's climate. The layout features a ground floor that includes communal spaces with expansive glass windows for optimal natural light and ventilation. An elevated first floor provides private areas, including bedrooms and bathrooms, enhancing the sense of privacy for occupants. The carefully organized spaces promote interaction with the natural environment through large openings that offer views of the surrounding landscape, thereby supporting emotional well-being.

### Material Selection and Sustainability Measures

The use of local materials is a key aspect of the design, ensuring that the structure harmonizes with its environment. Laterite mud plaster provides insulation while reflecting the natural aesthetic of the area. Wooden ceilings and floors contribute warmth to the living spaces, and Schnell panels are employed for their thermal insulation efficiency. The house integrates sustainable technologies such as solar panels for self-sufficient energy, a rainwater harvesting system for water supply, and natural ventilation strategies to minimize reliance on mechanical cooling. These elements collectively promote energy efficiency and ecological sustainability in rural living environments.

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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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