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Earth-Clay Walls and Reinforced Concrete Crafting Resilient Micro Living Units in Seismic Contexts

Authors:
Emre Taşçi, Ebru şahi̇n Taşçi, Ezel Yağmur çebi Okumuş, Cemil Hamdi Okumuş
Earth-Clay Walls and Reinforced Concrete Crafting Resilient Micro Living Units in Seismic Contexts

Project in-detail

Crafted from earth-clay and reinforced concrete, these micro living units integrate traditional courtyard designs to address housing needs in earthquake-prone areas, fostering community resilience through sustainable and adaptable architecture.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted using locally sourced earth-clay panels for natural thermal regulation.
02
Designed with movable courtyard walls to adapt living spaces for privacy and community interaction.
03
Incorporates solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems for energy efficiency and sustainability.
04
Utilizes reinforced concrete to enhance structural resilience against seismic activity.
05
Emphasizes traditional courtyard culture, blending modern construction with local heritage.

## Overview

"Quake House" is an architectural initiative aimed at addressing the housing shortages in Antakya, Turkey, following the region's recent earthquakes. The project recognizes the historical and cultural significance of Antakya, often referred to as the "memory of Anatolia," and seeks to provide permanent housing solutions that respect local traditions while facilitating modern living. Positioned within a context of disaster recovery, the design integrates innovative housing models with community resilience and continuity.

### Spatial Configuration

The residential units are designed as two-story buildings, incorporating traditional architectural principles, particularly the use of courtyards. These courtyards serve as essential social spaces, promoting interaction among residents and evoking the area's historical communal living practices. The layout is optimized for cross-ventilation and natural light, supporting both functional and aesthetic needs. The design fosters a balance between private and communal areas, enhancing the sense of community in a post-disaster environment.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The material choices reflect both local resources and sustainability goals. Earth-clay panels serve as the primary wall construction material, providing thermal insulation suitable for the region's climate. Reinforced concrete is used for structural elements, ensuring resilience against seismic activity and long-term durability. Additionally, the project integrates energy-efficient systems, including solar panels for energy harnessing and rainwater harvesting to promote conservation. This focus on sustainable components contributes to reduced environmental impact while enhancing the self-sufficiency of the housing units.

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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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