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Mud-Brick and Concrete Dwelling Emphasizing Water Purification and Community Connection

Author:
Alex Tahinos
Mud-Brick and Concrete Dwelling Emphasizing Water Purification and Community Connection

Project in-detail

Constructed with mud-brick and concrete, the dwelling incorporates advanced water purification systems to foster community connections while providing sustainable living space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced mud-brick and concrete for environmental harmony.
02
Includes an integrated water purification system for sustainable living.
03
Features a central hearth that serves as both a heating and gathering space.
04
Design adapts to seasonal changes for increased functionality.
05
Connects indoor and outdoor spaces through large openings for natural light.

The design integrates ideas of nature and society within a residential setting that balances inner spaces with the external environment. It functions as a home while aiming to foster a deep connection between its inhabitants and the surrounding landscape. The overall concept is built around creating an atmosphere where people can live comfortably while remaining aware of and engaged with nature.

Materiality
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Concrete and mud-brick are key materials in this design, selected for their strength and ecological benefits. This combination creates a facade that is both modern and reflective of local architectural styles. The choice of materials ensures durability while providing good insulation and energy efficiency. The design respects the site’s character and enhances its visual appeal.

Central Hearth
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A central hearth is a focal element within the home, providing warmth and a space for gathering. It plays a crucial role in connecting family members and creating a sense of community within the house. This feature encourages people to come together, reinforcing the importance of shared areas in residential designs.

Sustainability Features
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The layout includes systems for collecting and purifying water, as well as generating solar energy. These aspects highlight an emphasis on sustainability. By incorporating such systems, the home reduces its reliance on outside resources, enhancing its self-sufficiency. This thoughtful approach aligns with modern considerations for environmental responsibility.

Adaptability
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The design is flexible, accommodating changes in use and lifestyle. Spaces can be reconfigured based on the needs of the occupants or seasonal conditions. This adaptability fosters a connection to nature, allowing the home to evolve alongside its inhabitants.

Large windows and openings connect indoor living areas with the outdoors, creating a comprehensive experience of the natural environment. This connection encourages a vibrant exchange between the residents and their surroundings, making the home feel integrated with nature.

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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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