Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Rammed Earth and Environmental Concrete Create a Sustainable Oasis in Residential Design

Authors:
Harzallah Korkaz, Ali Chellali, Abdessamed Houichiti
Rammed Earth and Environmental Concrete Create a Sustainable Oasis in Residential Design

Project in-detail

Constructed with rammed earth and environmental concrete, the design fosters a unique oasis-like environment that integrates private and communal spaces for sustainable residential living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced rammed earth to enhance thermal performance.
02
Features a storytelling wall that promotes community interaction and cultural expression.
03
Incorporates smart technology for energy efficiency and spatial management.
04
Integrates hanging gardens to support biodiversity and provide natural cooling.
05
Includes dedicated areas for gender-segregated social gatherings, reflecting cultural practices.

## Overview

Located in the UAE, the TAGA House embodies a design philosophy that integrates contemporary architecture with traditional Emirati influences. The project aims to create a living environment that harmonizes with the surrounding desert ecosystem while promoting sustainability and social cohesion. By synthesizing modern technologies with cultural elements, the TAGA House serves as a model that respects the local context and encourages a dialogue between urban living and nature.

## Spatial Strategy

Central to the design is the concept of the garden as the "green beating heart" of the home, providing a focal point for both family life and ecological interaction. The layout features distinct areas that cater to gender-specific activities, in alignment with traditional Emirati customs, while facilitating social engagement. Key functional spaces include a generous Majlis for gatherings, a green courtyard that offers shade and a cooler microclimate, and thoughtfully allocated private rooms to ensure both communal and individual privacy.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The selection of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability and local availability. Rammed earth is utilized for wall construction, providing effective temperature regulation suited for the desert climate. Environmental concrete, combined with palm tree fibers for roofing, further mitigates ecological impact while enhancing insulation. The use of traditional materials such as palm arish contributes to the project's connection with local identity. Additional sustainable features include solar panels, smart integration technologies, and innovative elements such as a drone taxi station aimed at reducing urban congestion.

### Notable Design Features

The TAGA House incorporates several distinctive elements that enhance functionality and user experience. The Smart Wall technology facilitates real-time management of household functions and visitor interaction. The Union Wall, adorned with motifs reflecting national identity, reinforces a sense of community and belonging. Elevations and sectional views reveal a well-balanced relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces, emphasizing the use of natural light and greenery for effective climate control. This comprehensive approach underscores the project's potential as a pioneering example of modern desert architecture.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy