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Rammed Earth and Adobe Brick Residence with a Central Courtyard for Sustainable Living

Authors:
Maria Jose Fernandez Serrano, Ridaa Abdeslam Ahmed
Rammed Earth and Adobe Brick Residence with a Central Courtyard for Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Constructed from rammed earth and adobe bricks, this residence incorporates a central courtyard to facilitate natural cooling, while prioritizing privacy and community interaction within its layout.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced rammed earth and adobe bricks for enhanced thermal performance.
02
Features a permeable roof design that captures natural light and rain for passive cooling.
03
Incorporates a central courtyard to optimize airflow and promote outdoor connectivity.
04
Utilizes traditional building techniques to blend modern sustainability with cultural heritage.
05
Landscaped with native flora to create a biophilic environment supporting local ecology.

### Project Overview

The Oasis House is situated in Dubai, an urban center defined by its desert environment and dynamic growth. The project aims to harmonize modern building techniques with traditional architectural principles, notably emphasizing sustainability and respect for cultural context. The design intent is to create a living space that acts as an oasis, providing refuge from the harsh climate while utilizing locally sourced materials and climate-responsive strategies.

### Spatial Integration and Privacy

The layout of the house is strategically developed to facilitate both privacy and communal interactions, featuring distinct zones for various activities. A central open courtyard serves as the heart of the residence, promoting outdoor living and a connection with the natural surroundings. The design incorporates principles from traditional Arabic architecture, enhancing the residential experience through a thoughtful integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. The modular construction techniques allow for future flexibility and customization, catering to individual needs without compromising architectural integrity.

### Material and Climate Considerations

The construction prominently features rammed earth and adobe brick, which contribute to the thermal efficiency of the structure while aligning with local building practices. The use of a permeable roof canopy enhances passive cooling, allowing sunlight and rain to filter through. Additional elements such as solar collectors reinforce the commitment to renewable energy.

The meticulous orientation of the house optimizes exposure to cooling breezes and mitigates direct sunlight, ensuring comfort throughout the year. The landscaping incorporates native flora, fostering a biophilic environment and enhancing ecological integration. This comprehensive approach to material selection and design principles not only addresses the climatic challenges of the region but also exemplifies an innovative response to contemporary living demands.

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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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