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Rammed Earth and Building Mud Residence with Integrated Solar Solutions

Authors:
Abdullah Selwaye, Judi Selwaye
Rammed Earth and Building Mud Residence with Integrated Solar Solutions

Project in-detail

Constructed with rammed earth and building mud, this residence seamlessly integrates solar solutions to create a sustainable environment designed for family living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily with locally sourced rammed earth, enhancing thermal mass and energy efficiency.
02
The design incorporates traditional Islamic arches to improve airflow and natural lighting.
03
Strategic integration of solar panels minimizes energy consumption while promoting sustainability.
04
A dedicated Majlis area facilitates cultural gatherings and social interactions.
05
Indoor and outdoor spaces are seamlessly connected through open layouts and green landscaping.

## Overview

The project is situated in the United Arab Emirates and is designed for a local Emirati family, emphasizing a blend of cultural heritage and modern architecture within an environmentally responsive framework. The design draws inspiration from traditional Islamic architecture, integrating elements such as arches that enhance airflow and allow natural light to penetrate interior spaces. The intent is to create a living environment that balances comfort, innovation, and a deep respect for the surrounding cultural context.

### Spatial Strategy

The layout is carefully organized to meet the social and privacy requirements of the Emirati lifestyle. Key design features include a prominently located Majlis, which serves as a separate gathering space for guests, allowing for social interactions in a culturally sensitive manner. The open design of living and dining areas promotes airflow and connectivity with the outdoors, while dedicated green spaces and landscaped backyards enhance the residential experience and support ecological sustainability. Additionally, strategic voids between spaces are incorporated to facilitate natural cooling, crucial for the region's climate.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Materials are thoughtfully chosen to reflect both traditional practices and contemporary sustainability principles. The construction includes rammed earth and building mud, both known for their thermal regulation qualities and cultural significance. Concrete and stone enhance structural integrity while providing durability. The design also features recycled concrete, emphasizing an eco-friendly approach. Solar panels are integrated to reduce energy dependence, along with systems for water management and waste reduction to minimize the environmental impact. The overall material palette employs lighter tones to improve reflectivity and cooling efficiency, aligning with the demands of the hot Emirati climate.

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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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