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Geopolymer Housing with Rice Husk Integration for Urban Living

Author:
Ishan Rakshit
Geopolymer Housing with Rice Husk Integration for Urban Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing Geopolymers and rice husk, the design integrates adaptable living and working spaces in response to Mumbai's urban density, creating a sustainable residence that optimizes function and comfort.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes Geopolymers, significantly reducing construction waste.
02
Incorporates rice husk as an aggregate for enhanced moisture management.
03
Features a dynamic layout allowing multiple daily functions.
04
Includes collapsible windows for improved street interaction.
05
Designed for rapid assembly, completing construction in just eight days.

MAKA is a 3D printed architectural prototype designed to tackle the specific challenges of Mumbai, India, a city known for its high population density and hot, humid climate. The project aims to find efficient construction strategies suitable for urban environments where available space is limited and housing needs are growing. The main design concept focuses on flexibility and functionality, combining living and working spaces to meet the diverse requirements of modern life.

Spatial Organization
The layout includes two distinct setups. The "Morning Setup" accommodates living and work activities, while the "Night Setup" supports leisure and dining. This arrangement enables users to adapt spaces for different needs throughout the day. Carefully placed openings enhance natural light and encourage air circulation, which is essential for comfort in Mumbai's warm conditions.

Material Strategy
The project uses Geopolymers as the primary building material, providing an alternative to traditional Portland cement. This choice allows for quicker construction and reduces waste, aligning with eco-friendly practices. Additionally, the project incorporates rice husk as an aggregate within the Geopolymer mix, which makes use of a local agricultural byproduct. By doing this, the design supports local sustainability and helps manage moisture levels inside the building.

Architectural Features
Maka features adaptable elements designed to maximize usability in compact areas. Folding chairs make it possible for spaces to shift from leisure areas to communal gathering spots. Retractable beds are cleverly stored beneath bay windows to make the most of vertical space. Collapsible windows encourage interaction with the street, blurring the line between private living and public engagement.

Sustainable Practices
Solar panels are integrated into the southern roof, efficiently capturing renewable energy for use in the building. This addition demonstrates a commitment to sustainability while keeping the inverter hidden under the staircase, which maintains a tidy visual aesthetic in the living area. These features together show a thorough approach to sustainable urban design, meeting immediate user needs while considering the environment.

The design culminates in double-height spaces, featuring skylights that bring in natural light and create a connection to the outside world. This thoughtful arrangement not only enhances the interior experience but also emphasizes the relationship between the built environment and its surroundings.

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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
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