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Hempcrete and Cork Structures Enhancing Community Resilience Through Eco-Friendly Living

Authors:
Madalyn Grace Asker, Randall Fraser Teal
Hempcrete and Cork Structures Enhancing Community Resilience Through Eco-Friendly Living

Project in-detail

Employing sustainable hempcrete and cork within a geometric layout, this design fosters community resilience and affordability for single mothers seeking stable housing solutions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates hempcrete for superior insulation and sustainability.
02
Utilizes cork for flooring and wall finishes to enhance acoustics and comfort.
03
Features a geometric layout that encourages social interaction among residents.
04
Integrates rainwater harvesting systems for sustainable water management.
05
Includes communal gardens that promote ecological education and community involvement.

The Power(h)erHouse project aims to address the housing needs of single mothers, creating a dedicated architectural response that combines affordability with community-centric living. This project provides a solution to pressing issues of housing stability and social support often encountered by single-parent households.

The design incorporates a series of interconnected living units characterized by a geometric form that promotes social interaction. This spatial arrangement emphasizes shared resources and communal support, fostering a sense of belonging among residents. The architecture’s focus is on functionality and community integration, making it a relevant model for contemporary housing solutions.

Sustainable Materiality and Adaptable Spaces

A defining feature of the Power(h)erHouse project is its emphasis on sustainable materials. The use of hempcrete, cork, thatch, and polycarbonate not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also improves functionality and environmental impact. Each material has been selected for its sustainable properties, contributing to energy efficiency and ecological consciousness within residential design.

The floor plan is designed to maximize usable space while supporting communal living. Open-concept areas promote interaction, complemented by dedicated workspaces. The incorporation of gardening and green spaces fosters community engagement and ecological education. These features distinguish the Power(h)erHouse project from typical housing designs by integrating social responsibility and environmental stewardship into its architecture.

Community-Centric Design Approach

The project’s layout facilitates shared parenting and collective responsibilities among residents, thereby reducing individual burdens. This unique approach to living arrangements enhances residents' quality of life and strengthens community bonds. Spaces for social interaction, such as communal gardens and multifunctional areas, encourage engagement among families, cultivating a supportive environment.

Incorporating systems for self-sufficiency is another significant aspect of the project. Solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and composting facilities are integrated to promote off-grid living, enhancing sustainability and reducing reliance on outside resources. These design elements reflect a response not only to housing needs but also to broader ecological and social challenges.

Explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs of the Power(h)erHouse project to understand the innovative approaches that define this residential model. Delve into the architectural ideas that underpin its functionality and community-building ethos for a comprehensive view of its design merits.

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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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