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Humidity-Controlled Adobe Homes with Natural Materials

Author:
Bernadett Juhász
Humidity-Controlled Adobe Homes with Natural Materials
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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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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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