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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 Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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