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Rammed Earth and Cross-Laminated Timber Create Community-Centric Spaces in Desert Living

Author:
Arnau Guinart Rull
Rammed Earth and Cross-Laminated Timber Create Community-Centric Spaces in Desert Living

Project in-detail

Employing rammed earth and cross-laminated timber, the design seamlessly integrates community-focused living spaces within the challenging desert climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls provide natural thermal mass, reducing energy consumption.
02
Cross-laminated timber enhances structural integrity while allowing flexible space configurations.
03
Community gardens integrate greenery into the living environment, promoting biodiversity.
04
The bent A-frame design optimizes shading and natural light throughout the year.
05
Local coral stone is used to tie the building to its geographical context and heritage.

## Context and Location

Located on the outskirts of Dubai, the project is situated within a residential area that reflects the region's cultural nuances. The design approach acknowledges the importance of local traditions while incorporating contemporary architectural solutions. The intent is to harmonize these elements by integrating sustainable practices with modern design, fostering a symbiotic relationship between the built and natural environments.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The project employs a selection of sustainable materials that emphasize ecological responsibility and local relevance. Key components include rammed earth walls, which provide natural thermal mass and visually connect the structure to its surroundings. Cross-laminated timber panels offer flexibility in internal spaces while maintaining structural integrity. Local coral stone and wood are incorporated to echo traditional building practices and enhance contextual integration. Large glass elements optimize natural light, facilitating a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. Incorporation of planting systems within the design aims to improve air quality and foster a connection to nature.

## Spatial Configuration and Functionality

The building's layout features a three-dimensional interplay of internal and external spaces, strategically oriented to balance privacy and communal interaction. The lower level accommodates public gathering areas within an open floor plan, centered around an outdoor space with a real tree, promoting an interaction with nature. The upper level is designed for private use, featuring adaptable spaces that can accommodate changing family needs. The configuration supports natural ventilation, minimizing reliance on mechanical systems. The design emphasizes future expandability, optimal airflow, and shaded areas to enhance comfort in the hot desert climate while respecting the cultural context through thoughtful integration of local craftsmanship.

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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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