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Humidity-Controlled Adobe Homes with Natural Materials

Author:
Bernadett Juhász
Humidity-Controlled Adobe Homes with Natural Materials

Project in-detail

Constructed with a precise adobe mixture and designed for effective humidity control, these homes provide sustainable and resilient shelter in areas vulnerable to natural disasters.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a specific adobe mix that includes loam, silt, sand, and straw.
02
Features multi-layered wall construction to improve humidity and air quality.
03
Utilizes thermal mass properties of adobe for efficient temperature regulation.
04
Incorporates wide gutters and elevated foundations to protect against water damage.
05
Supports renewable energy integration for enhanced sustainability.

The design focuses on addressing urgent global issues related to housing and sustainability. Set in an area vulnerable to natural disasters, the aim is to create homes that not only provide shelter but also have minimal impact on the environment. The concept centers around the use of adobe, a traditional building material known for its ecological advantages. This approach combines time-tested construction methods with the needs of modern housing.

Material Composition

The project specifies a precise mixture for adobe construction, which consists of 0.2 m³ of loam, 0.4 m³ of sand, 0.4 m³ of silt, and 15 sacks of straw for each cubic meter. These materials have been selected for their sustainability and effective thermal properties. Adobe serves as a reliable solution suited to a range of climates while also ensuring structural strength.

Wall Layering

The design features a careful layering of walls to provide both durability and comfort. This includes adobe plaster, a rabbit net made from reed, adobe bricks, and outer layers of plaster. Such layering effectively manages humidity and promotes airflow within the living spaces, which helps to prevent mold and improve indoor air quality.

Thermal and Acoustic Properties

Adobe’s natural density helps maintain a stable indoor temperature throughout the seasons. This quality protects against both heat and cold, helping residents remain comfortable year-round. In addition, the material’s ability to reduce sound transmission contributes to a peaceful living environment, where noise from the outside is kept to a minimum.

Integration of Modern Systems

The design allows for the integration of renewable energy sources, like solar panels, in line with sustainable living goals. The recyclability of adobe supports environmental responsibility, enabling the reuse of materials without adding to long-term waste.

To guard against moisture damage, features like wide gutters and elevated foundations are included. These details enhance the structure's durability while ensuring that it remains solid and cared for over time.

Natural materials and smart design choices create a living space that encourages community while allowing privacy. The layout is both functional and resilient, adapting to the varying needs of its occupants. Large windows provide plenty of natural light, creating an open feel inside and connecting the home with its surroundings while keeping energy use low.

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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

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