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Movable Rammed Earth Panels Reimagine Community Engagement in Rural Spaces

Author:
Alan Morrissey
Movable Rammed Earth Panels Reimagine Community Engagement in Rural Spaces

Project in-detail

Movable rammed earth panels enhance flexibility and adaptability, allowing for dynamic community engagement within a sustainable rural structure designed for educational purposes.
5 key facts about this project
01
Movable rammed earth panels allow for flexible interior configurations.
02
The pavilion utilizes earth sourced directly from the site, reducing environmental impact.
03
Roof lights made from old vehicle windscreens enhance natural lighting.
04
Designed for easy disassembly and relocation, promoting sustainability.
05
The structure acts as a natural sundial, changing light patterns throughout the day.

The Rammed Earth Pavilion represents a thoughtful exploration of sustainability and community involvement through the use of rammed earth construction. Located in a rural setting, the pavilion serves educational functions while promoting skill development in construction. Its design harmonizes with traditional architecture, linking the past to the present in a meaningful way.

Architectural Form and Structure

The design of the pavilion draws from traditional forms, including exhibition halls and engine sheds, as well as rural farm buildings. This connection to local architectural styles helps it fit into the landscape. Movable rammed earth panels form a key part of the structure and are supported by a timber frame. The weight of the rammed earth contrasts with the lightness of the timber roof, creating an interesting balance that enhances the overall spatial quality.

Materiality and Sustainability

Rammed earth is central to the design, chosen for its low environmental impact and minimal waste. The panels serve not only as structural elements but also contribute to the visual appeal of the pavilion. The roof, lined with reclaimed metal sheeting and equipped with roof lights made from old vehicle windscreens, allows for natural light to fill the interior. This use of local materials further reduces the ecological footprint by minimizing transportation needs.

User Engagement and Adaptability

Designed to be easily demounted and reconfigured, the pavilion supports various community activities and educational programs. Its flexible layout encourages hands-on learning, allowing users to experience and interact with the space in different ways. The movable panels enable multiple configurations, ensuring that the pavilion meets the evolving needs of the community over time.

Spatial Dynamics and Natural Interaction

The design promotes a unique relationship between the building and its users. The qualities of the rammed earth panels shift throughout the day, acting like a natural sundial and enriching the sensory experience. This changing aspect of light and shadow encourages visitors to connect more deeply with the pavilion, inviting a closer look at its materials and their role in the overall architecture.

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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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