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Hempwood Micro-Homes Featuring Recycled Brick Elements for Community Living

Author:
Nicole A Buchanan
Hempwood Micro-Homes Featuring Recycled Brick Elements for Community Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with waste-based bricks and hempwood, these micro-homes create a sustainable living environment designed to foster community and support cultural integration among newcomers in Geelong.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with 100% recycled waste-based bricks, enhancing sustainability.
02
Hempwood is used for interior finishes, improving indoor air quality.
03
Flexible layouts allow residents to customize their living spaces.
04
Shared communal kitchens foster cultural exchange and collaboration.
05
Green roofing integrates with local biodiversity and promotes sustainable practices.

The "Stepping Stone" project presents a thoughtful architecture solution aimed at addressing the housing needs of new immigrants in Geelong, Victoria, Australia. The design consists of micro-homes, each approximately 25m², arranged in clusters to cultivate community interaction and support the integration of residents into Australian society. This project not only provides shelter but also encourages social cohesion through shared communal spaces and resources.

Community-Centric Design Approach

At the heart of the "Stepping Stone" project is its emphasis on community-centric living. The design incorporates flexible space planning to facilitate both individual privacy and collective gatherings. Shared facilities, including kitchens and outdoor spaces, are strategically positioned to encourage interaction among residents. This layout enables cultural exchange and fosters social networks, which are essential for those recently immigrated.

What sets this project apart from standard housing developments is its adaptability. Each micro-home includes sliding panels that allow residents to configure their living space according to personal preferences and activities. This approach acknowledges the diverse needs of occupants and promotes a sense of ownership over the living environment.

Sustainable Materials and Practices

Sustainability is a core tenet of the architectural design. The project utilizes environmentally responsible materials, such as waste-based bricks, hempwood, and SIP panels. The waste-based bricks are made from recycled materials, significantly reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional brick production. Hempwood offers not only aesthetic qualities but also contributes positively to indoor air quality due to its natural properties.

In addition to innovative material choices, the "Stepping Stone" project incorporates passive design strategies. Natural ventilation, green roofing, and rainwater harvesting are integrated into the design to enhance energy efficiency and minimize environmental impact. These elements demonstrate a commitment to sustainable architecture while providing functional living spaces.

The design exemplifies a blend of practicality and creativity, contextualizing modern living within a community framework that fosters inclusivity and cultural integration. For a more in-depth exploration of the project's comprehensive details, including architectural plans, sections, and innovative design ideas, the presentation of the project is available for review.

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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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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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100,000€ Prize / 2025
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