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Earth-Sheltered Structure With Recycled Lumber and Green Walls Designed for Community Engagement

Authors:
Selim Vural, Efecan Zeybek, Clara Comaita
Earth-Sheltered Structure With Recycled Lumber and Green Walls Designed for Community Engagement

Project in-detail

Constructed with recycled lumber and integrated green walls, the earth-sheltered observation tower enhances the natural landscape while serving as a focal point for community interaction and ecological awareness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes recycled plastic lumber to minimize environmental impact.
02
Features a facade wrapped in vibrant sunflowers to reflect local flora.
03
Incorporates compressed earth blocks for enhanced thermal efficiency.
04
Designed with green walls to promote biodiversity and habitat creation.
05
Engages the community through interactive trails and participatory maintenance.

## Overview
The Superbloom observation tower is located near Silver Lake in South Dakota, aiming to honor local architectural heritage while promoting environmental awareness. Its design draws inspiration from the historical sod dugout houses that once provided shelter to pioneers in the region. The project emphasizes the importance of integrating contemporary architectural practices with the cultural and historical significance of the area, facilitating access for both local residents and tourists.

## Design Strategy
### Structural Integration and Materiality
The tower features an earth-sheltered design that subtly blends into the natural surroundings, reflecting the historical context of the dugouts. The use of recycled plastic lumber as the primary structural material supports sustainability while connecting the structure to its landscape. The visually striking façade, characterized by vibrant yellow sunflowers and a red exterior reminiscent of traditional barns, enhances the ecological aesthetic and further roots the design in local identity. Key materials include engineered lumber for modular construction, compressed earth blocks for sheltering, and marine-grade recycled plastic piles for structural support.

### Ecological Engagement
The project is designed with a focus on enhancing ecological awareness and community interaction. A network of pathways and footbridges facilitates exploration of the terrain, while gathering spaces foster community engagement. Features such as the "dugout trail," bird habitats, and irrigated green walls promote biodiversity and offer educational experiences centered on local ecology. Future phases will expand the project with additional habitat towers and interactive trails, further enriching visitor experience and wildlife habitats.

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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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