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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.

**Project Overview**

The Power(h)erHouse initiative focuses on addressing the housing instability and financial challenges faced by single mothers in the United States. This innovative housing model promotes communal living and resource sharing, aiming to provide not only affordable housing but also a supportive community environment designed to enhance the well-being of its residents. The architectural design integrates individual dignity with communal support, encouraging a connection to nature.

**Spatial Strategy and Design Outcomes**

The layout consists of interconnected units characterized by a geometric profile, utilizing triangular forms to optimize spatial efficiency while fostering social interaction. Central to the design is the reimagined porch, which serves as a vital communal space for resident engagement. Open-concept living areas are complemented by dedicated workspaces, ensuring both individuality and community within the living environment. The inclusion of gardening areas not only enhances the ecological footprint of the project but also promotes community bonding through shared responsibilities.

**Materiality and Sustainability**

The project employs environmentally responsible materials, each contributing uniquely to the building’s functionality and aesthetic. Hempcrete provides excellent insulation while being a sustainable choice. Cork offers acoustic benefits and versatility, while thatch contributes both to the rustic appeal and natural insulation of the structure. The lightweight polycarbonate elements allow for transparency and light modulation, enhancing the overall living experience. Additionally, the project features systems for off-grid living, including solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and composting facilities. These sustainable solutions reinforce both ecological responsibility and community interaction, fostering a sense of stewardship among residents.

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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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Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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MICROHOME
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