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Ramel and Hempcrete Create Sustainable Family Living in a Modern Courtyard Home

Author:
Iliyan Sevdalinov Angelov
Ramel and Hempcrete Create Sustainable Family Living in a Modern Courtyard Home

Project in-detail

Utilizing locally sourced ramel and Hempcrete, the residence seamlessly integrates traditional Emirati design elements with contemporary construction methods, fostering a sustainable family living environment centered around a central courtyard.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced ramel and Hempcrete for sustainable construction.
02
Features traditional wind towers that enhance passive ventilation.
03
Incorporates a central courtyard to foster family interaction and community.
04
Employs intricate mashrabiya patterns for privacy and light control.
05
Integrates 3D printing technology to reduce waste and increase design precision.

## Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, the Barjeel House integrates traditional Emirati architectural elements with contemporary design principles. Drawing inspiration from the historical wind tower, or "barjeel," this residential structure seeks to honor the legacy of regional architecture while addressing modern living requirements. The design aims to create a harmonious balance between functionality and cultural significance, particularly through the use of natural ventilation methods rooted in Emirati heritage.

## Spatial Organization

The layout of Barjeel House is defined by a symmetrical arrangement centered around a courtyard, which facilitates natural airflow and illumination throughout the interior spaces. This central courtyard serves not only as a physical focal point for family gathering but also enhances thermal comfort and promotes community interaction. The roof plan's grid-like configuration underscores the importance of communal living, allowing light to filter in while minimizing heat exposure during peak sunlight hours.

## Material Innovation

Barjeel House employs locally sourced materials that reflect both sustainability goals and cultural relevance. Key materials include:

1. **Ramel**: A sustainable building material made from desert sands, suitable for 3D printing and reducing environmental impact.
2. **Desert Board PSB**: Made from palm strands, this material is used in wall cladding and furniture, contributing to local craftsmanship and sustainability.
3. **Hempcrete**: An eco-friendly mixture used in partitioning, known for its insulating properties and low carbon footprint.
4. **Clay Plaster**: This ancient material aids in thermal regulation, enhancing indoor climate comfort without reliance on modern HVAC systems.

These thoughtfully selected materials not only fulfill practical building functions but also embody a commitment to environmental stewardship and local identity.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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