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Dyed Rammed Earth and Carbonized Wood Forms for Community Living

Authors:
Felix Beyer, Vanessa Ebert
Dyed Rammed Earth and Carbonized Wood Forms for Community Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with dyed rammed earth and carbonized wood, the buildings create a thoughtful courtyard environment that supports both community engagement and individual retreat for two families by the lake.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates dyed rammed earth for enhanced thermal performance.
02
Features carbonized wood for weather resistance and aesthetic value.
03
Terraces have completely openable facades facilitating outdoor access.
04
Column grid structure creates flexible spatial arrangements.
05
Design pays homage to an earlier residential building with ornate window frames.

Two interconnected buildings are designed with a lakeside view in mind. Their layout creates a courtyard that connects the structures while making the most of the natural surroundings. The design aims to accommodate two families—an artistic group and their visitors—balancing both communal living and private spaces. Inspired by the simplicity of barn architecture, the project merges traditional design elements with modern needs, thoughtfully placing the buildings within their environment.

Design Concept

The design draws from barn architecture, with roofs that echo the internal layout of the buildings and relate closely to the natural landscape. This approach combines old forms with contemporary functions, establishing an aesthetic that is both familiar and fresh. The intent is to enhance visual connections, allowing the inhabitants to engage with their surroundings in a meaningful way.

Spatial Organization

Inside, a grid of columns creates different spatial experiences. The layout is flexible, encouraging interaction among residents. Shared areas foster community, while private spaces offer solace. Connecting areas are designed for flexible use, with walls made from heavy textiles providing options for privacy or openness as needed. This balance addresses the varied needs of families living here, allowing for both togetherness and solitude.

Materiality and Construction

Construction employs a wooden post and beam framework across two levels, providing a solid yet open design. The exterior showcases carbonized wood, chosen for its durability in outdoor settings. Inside, light wood paneling adds warmth to the atmosphere. The window frames reflect the historical context, featuring ornate designs reminiscent of an earlier building that once stood nearby.

Design Details

The studio house features solid walls made from dyed rammed earth. This choice improves energy efficiency while creating a pleasant environment for creative work. Both buildings include terraces with completely openable facades, allowing easy movement between indoor and outdoor spaces. This design invites nature into daily life, enriching the experience for all who inhabit these thoughtful spaces.

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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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