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Harnessing Local Materials with Cane Reinforcement for Sustainable Micro Homes

Authors:
Santiago Ezequiel Tettamanti, Manuel Franchimont, Atty Poelma, Ruiz Aquiles Nahuel
Harnessing Local Materials with Cane Reinforcement for Sustainable Micro Homes

Project in-detail

Utilizing cane reinforcement and palm insulation, the design creates a sustainable microhome that effectively addresses local environmental challenges while fostering community resilience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cane reinforcement for structural integrity, reflecting traditional building methods.
02
Incorporates palm insulation to adapt to local climate and enhance energy efficiency.
03
Features a rainwater collection system integrated into the design for sustainability.
04
Employs reused bottles as a daylighting solution, reducing waste and enhancing aesthetics.
05
Includes edible gardens designed within the landscape to promote food security and community interaction.

The "Umoja" architectural project represents a responsive and sustainable housing solution in South Sudan. By addressing the local context through a microhome design, it aims to meet the needs of its residents while promoting environmental stewardship and community cohesion. The focus on locally sourced materials and traditional building methods highlights a commitment to integrating cultural identity with modern architectural practices.

The design exemplifies a thoughtful approach to environmental challenges, utilizing features that enhance functionality and sustainability. The arrangement of the microhomes along the banks of the White Nile fosters both connectivity and access to essential resources. This proximity to water is critical, as the design includes a rainwater collection system that efficiently channels runoff into storage, ensuring a reliable water supply for residents.

The orientation of the buildings takes advantage of natural ventilation, optimizing airflow and minimizing reliance on mechanical cooling systems. This aspect is particularly important in the hot climate, where passive cooling strategies can significantly enhance indoor comfort.

Innovative use of materials is a hallmark of the project. Local timber provides structural support, while cane reinforcements showcase traditional building techniques. The incorporation of palm leaves for insulation and shade reflects an understanding of the local environment and its climatic conditions. Reused bottles serve as both a sustainable element and a unique design feature, allowing natural light to penetrate living spaces while reducing environmental waste.

Unique Design Approaches

What sets "Umoja" apart from conventional housing projects is its comprehensive integration of local resources, cultural context, and ecological awareness. The microhome's design embodies principles of self-sufficiency—highlighted through its energy-generating watermill that harnesses river currents. This feature not only provides electricity but also empowers residents to be independent of external energy sources.

Incorporating edible vegetation into the landscape promotes community gardening, enhancing food security and fostering social interactions among residents. The layout allows for adaptable spaces that can accommodate a range of activities, demonstrating versatility in usage while remaining faithful to traditional norms of living.

Spatial Arrangement and Community Impact

The spatial distribution of "Umoja" is deliberate, with homes clustered to inspire a sense of community while maintaining private living quarters. Pathways weave through gardens and communal areas, promoting both accessibility and interaction. These design choices reinforce the importance of community bonds within the framework of individual privacy.

The project stands as a model for broader applications, showcasing how local building practices can be revitalized. It invites exploration into scalable designs that could serve larger populations, thereby expanding on the principles applied in "Umoja."

For a more comprehensive understanding of the architectural strategies employed in this project, including architectural plans and sections, readers are encouraged to explore the detailed project presentation. Insights into the architectural designs and ideas that underline "Umoja" can enhance appreciation for its functional and cultural significance.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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