Get inspired!

17,249 architecture projects

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

Rammed Earth and Flax Fiber Structure Supporting Community Gardening in a Compact Design

Author:
Olivia Stöberl
Rammed Earth and Flax Fiber Structure Supporting Community Gardening in a Compact Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing rammed earth and flax fiber materials, this compact structure integrates a greenhouse and promotes sustainable living through community gardening functions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls provide exceptional thermal insulation for energy efficiency.
02
Flax fiber composite structures promote the use of renewable materials in construction.
03
Integrated greenhouse utilizes greywater for irrigation, supporting self-sufficiency.
04
Removable walls allow for flexible interior space adaptations as needs change.
05
Community gardening areas facilitate collaborative sustainable living practices.
The HOMEBOX project is an innovative architectural design located in Baja California Sur, Mexico. This project exemplifies a focus on sustainability, adaptability, and community integration. The design features a modular and flexible living space, allowing for individual personalization while promoting collective environmental stewardship. The HOMEBOX serves multiple functions, providing areas for living, working, and growing food within a compact structure.

The project consists of two distinct levels. The ground level facilitates communal activities, incorporating a living room, dining space, kitchen, and storage areas. The second level is dedicated to private living and working spaces, complemented by a greenhouse that enables occupants to cultivate plants. This duality reflects a commitment to space efficiency and multifunctionality in residential architecture.

Material Use and Sustainability

The HOMEBOX employs a careful selection of materials to enhance sustainability and environmental integration. The exterior walls are primarily constructed from rammed earth, providing excellent thermal insulation and using locally sourced materials to reduce the carbon footprint. The frame of the HOMEBOX utilizes flax fibers combined with an organic binder, thereby promoting renewable resources. Glazed windows made from sugar cane contribute to the project’s overall sustainability while ensuring ample natural light permeates the interior spaces.

In addition to traditional materials, the project incorporates innovative elements like removable wall sections that facilitate spatial reconfiguration, allowing residents to adapt their living environment as needed. Multifunctional components, such as furniture that serves as storage or seating, contribute to efficient space usage. The integrated greenhouse features natural ventilation systems, enhancing crop growth while demonstrating a streamlined approach to resource recycling through greywater irrigation.

Integrated Community Approach

A unique aspect of the HOMEBOX project is its emphasis on community engagement. The design encourages collective living through shared spaces and resources, promoting interaction among residents. This architectural approach emphasizes lifestyle choices that foster self-sufficiency and ecological responsibility. The project also incorporates renewable energy elements, including wind turbines that support energy needs and exemplify modern sustainable architecture.

Through these design strategies, the HOMEBOX sets a precedent for integrating community and individual living within an ecological context. Readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and other design details of the HOMEBOX project to gain deeper insights into its innovative approaches and overall vision.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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 17,249 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