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Elevated Platforms and Compressed Earth Blocks in Sustainable Community Housing

Authors:
Abraham Tuachi Ambe, Luz De Los Angeles Lizarraga Santos, Brenda Yannet Avila Suarez
Elevated Platforms and Compressed Earth Blocks in Sustainable Community Housing

Project in-detail

Elevated platforms constructed with compressed earth blocks provide resilient shelter and adaptable community spaces, addressing the needs of displaced populations in a sustainable manner.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated platforms enhance flood resilience while providing adequate ventilation.
02
Compressed earth blocks offer sustainable thermal mass for energy efficiency.
03
Modular design enables rapid adaptation to changing community needs.
04
Multipurpose community hall promotes social cohesion and versatile use.
05
Integration of local materials fosters connection to regional craftsmanship.

### Project Overview
The Resilient Habitat project addresses the increasing challenges of displacement faced by vulnerable populations in Tabasco, Mexico, due to conflict and natural disasters. This initiative integrates sustainable design solutions with a focus on community building, responding to the specific needs of displaced individuals. The modular housing concept includes "Short Stay Housing and Multipurpose Hall" modules, facilitating adaptability to various demographic and civic requirements.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The project emphasizes the use of local materials that enhance structural integrity while minimizing environmental impact. Key components include:

- **Compressed Earth Blocks**: These provide thermal mass, contributing to energy efficiency and climate resiliency.
- **Wood**: Utilized for structural and partition elements, this material adds aesthetic warmth while ensuring durability.
- **Metal Roofing**: Selected for its robustness, the roofing material aids in flood management, which is critical given the area's vulnerability to extreme weather.

The thoughtful selection of materials fosters a connection to local craftsmanship and promotes sustainable practices within the community.

### Spatial Flexibility and Community Design
The design employs modular housing units that can be reconfigured easily to accommodate varying numbers of inhabitants, reflecting an understanding of demographic dynamics and seasonal changes. A multipurpose community hall serves as a central gathering space, enhancing social cohesion while providing services from cultural events to emergency shelter.

Landscaping integrates green spaces that encourage interaction among residents, with pathways and seating areas designed to promote an inviting environment. The architectural approach strategically maximizes natural ventilation and daylighting, reducing reliance on artificial energy sources and fostering a healthier living space for occupants.

Unique aspects of the project include elevated modular structures designed to adapt to potential flooding and a commitment to integrating local agricultural practices, promoting food security and self-sufficiency within the community. The design also respects cultural nuances, ensuring that spaces align with the lifestyles and traditions of the inhabitants.

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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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