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Flood-Resilient Healthcare Facility Using Laterite and Terracotta

Authors:
Rahul Nawle, Mrunal Dandekar
Flood-Resilient Healthcare Facility Using Laterite and Terracotta

Project in-detail

Constructed from durable laterite and terracotta, this flood-resilient facility integrates natural ventilation and bamboo elements to provide essential healthcare services to a network of villages in the Konkan region.
5 key facts about this project
01
Healthcare facility designed for multiple villages to ensure accessibility during natural disasters.
02
Utilizes locally sourced laterite stone and terracotta for improved thermal performance.
03
Incorporates large openings for natural ventilation, minimizing reliance on mechanical cooling.
04
Features bamboo in structural elements, promoting sustainability and local material use.
05
Strategically elevated to withstand flooding while maintaining operational functionality.

"Village Loci" is located in the western part of the Konkan region in Maharashtra, India. The design serves multiple villages, focusing on providing essential medical services that can remain accessible even during natural disasters. The aim is to create a functional healthcare facility that can withstand challenges like heavy monsoon rains and flooding. By integrating healthcare delivery with the needs of the community, the design emphasizes the importance of resilience and well-being in these vulnerable areas.

Maximizing Natural Ventilation

Natural ventilation plays a crucial role in the design. Large openings on the windward side promote airflow throughout the building, which is essential in the humid climate. This approach keeps indoor spaces comfortable without relying heavily on mechanical cooling systems. The overall form of the building uses principles from the Fibonacci sequence, creating harmonious proportions that connect with nature. The result is a space where comfort and utility come together effectively.

Functional Space Organization

The layout clearly defines areas for different purposes, including sleeping quarters, living spaces, and a dedicated clinic. Each area is designed to ensure that healthcare needs are met efficiently. Examination beds are positioned in such a way that they facilitate quick access while maintaining privacy for patients. This thoughtful arrangement highlights how the architecture directly addresses both everyday living and health needs, making it practical for the community.

Sustainable Material Use

Sustainability is a key focus in the material choices made for the building. Locally sourced materials reflect a commitment to the environment and the culture of the region. For example, vaulted terracotta tiles are used for roofing, offering thermal benefits alongside visual appeal. Walls made from porous laterite stone help with insulation and airflow, enhancing the overall comfort of the environment. The use of bamboo in the structural framework further demonstrates a preference for local resources adapted to the climate.

Solar panels are integrated into the rooftop, supplying energy needs while promoting the use of renewable resources. This combination of materials and energy strategies leads to an efficient healthcare facility that works well with its surroundings. The design not only meets immediate healthcare needs but also establishes a long-lasting solution for improving the quality of life in the community.

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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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