Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Hempcrete and Rammed Earth Residence Integrating Vernacular Principles

Authors:
Bujar Hasani, Eldin Babic
Hempcrete and Rammed Earth Residence Integrating Vernacular Principles

Project in-detail

Constructed with hempcrete and rammed earth, the residence combines traditional Middle Eastern design strategies with contemporary sustainable technologies to create an efficient family dwelling in Dubai's desert environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes hempcrete for superior insulation and low carbon footprint.
02
Incorporates rammed earth walls that enhance thermal mass for energy efficiency.
03
Features a central courtyard promoting natural ventilation and interaction.
04
Adaptive elements allow occupants to control light and airflow dynamically.
05
Integrates solar panels to support renewable energy use within the home.

The Fusion is a contemporary residential architecture project located in Al Barsha South, Dubai. This design merges traditional Middle Eastern architectural elements with modern construction techniques, creating a residence that reflects both cultural heritage and contemporary lifestyle needs.

Functional Integration

The residence is organized around a central courtyard, a typology rooted in Middle Eastern architecture that facilitates natural ventilation, daylight access, and communal interaction. Public and private zones are clearly articulated: the ground floor accommodates living and dining areas oriented to optimize passive cooling, while private bedrooms are placed on the upper floor to ensure separation and privacy within a cohesive domestic layout.

Material Strategy and Environmental Performance

The building envelope is composed primarily of hempcrete and rammed earth, selected for their thermal insulation and load-bearing properties. Hempcrete offers a breathable, low-carbon alternative to conventional insulation, while rammed earth enhances thermal mass, contributing to indoor temperature stability. Natural stone is incorporated for its durability and visual continuity with local architectural traditions.

The project uses climate-friendly features like adjustable openings and movable shading systems to support passive design strategies. A hybrid HVAC system helps manage seasonal changes. Solar panels provide extra energy, showing the project's commitment to using renewable energy and being resource-efficient.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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
competition now

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy