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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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Enter an open architecture
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The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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