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Hempcrete Home With Passive Solar Design and Modular Construction

Authors:
Gian Vito Antoine Corazza, Nils Enguerran Frantz
Hempcrete Home With Passive Solar Design and Modular Construction

Project in-detail

Constructed with hempcrete and designed for passive solar efficiency, the residence integrates modular elements to create a self-sufficient living space that harmonizes with its environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily with hempcrete for enhanced thermal performance.
02
Incorporates passive solar design principles for energy efficiency.
03
Features a bent A-frame structure to improve natural ventilation.
04
Utilizes modular components for rapid assembly and adaptability.
05
Integrates rainwater harvesting systems for sustainable water management.

### Overview

Located in France, the AUTONOME project addresses the critical need for sustainable housing through the innovative use of hemp-based technologies. The design intends to promote ecological awareness and resilience to climate change by prioritizing the use of eco-friendly materials and strategies for self-sufficiency. The architectural approach combines modern living with a commitment to minimalism and sustainable practices in order to create a living environment that aligns with evolving environmental challenges.

### Material Innovation

The design employs lime-hemp concrete to construct high-performance monomaterial walls, effectively leveraging local resources to reduce the carbon footprint. This material choice not only supports sustainability but also enhances the building’s thermal performance by utilizing the natural insulating properties of hemp. The incorporation of thermal inertia contributes to stable indoor conditions, optimizing comfort through passive solar heating and natural temperature regulation.

### Spatial and Functional Design

The layout of the residence emphasizes minimalism while maintaining functional living spaces. Large floor-to-ceiling windows facilitate a strong connection between indoor and outdoor environments, enhancing natural light and promoting a sense of continuity with nature. Additionally, the project features prefabricated modular components that allow for efficient off-site construction, ensuring adaptability to diverse housing needs. The systems integrated into the design include energy-efficient technologies such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems, enhancing the building’s autonomy and further reducing its environmental impact.

### Integrated Systems

The project incorporates advanced multifunctional systems designed for sustainability and self-sufficiency. Key features include a wood stove combined with solar thermal systems, providing reliable energy sources despite variations in weather conditions. Phytoremediation techniques are also integrated to enhance air and water quality, effectively utilizing natural processes within the surrounding ecosystem. These system features illustrate a comprehensive approach to energy management and resource conservation, reinforcing the commitment to ecological sustainability throughout the design.

### Materials Utilized

Notable materials within the project comprise:

- **Lime-Hemp Concrete**: Offers thermal resistance while promoting sustainability.
- **Photovoltaic Panels**: Facilitate solar energy use, contributing to power autonomy.
- **Rainwater Harvesting Systems**: Enable water conservation by collecting rainwater for domestic purposes.
- **Hemp Insulation**: Provides effective thermal and acoustic insulation.
- **Wood Components**: Used in structural elements to emphasize the use of natural materials.
- **Glass Facades**: Enhance natural illumination and reinforce the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

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

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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

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