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Rammed Earth and Flexible Spaces Redefine Sustainable Urban Living

Authors:
Jisoo Kim, Seung Hyo Chang, Joon Ho Jun
Rammed Earth and Flexible Spaces Redefine Sustainable Urban Living

Project in-detail

Emphasizing flexibility and community interaction, the design incorporates rammed earth construction and adaptable modular units to create a sustainable living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes rammed earth for thermal efficiency and reduced energy consumption.
02
Modular units allow for flexible spatial configurations tailored to residents' needs.
03
Incorporates integrated green areas to enhance biodiversity and community interaction.
04
Employs recyclable steel in structural components for environmental sustainability.
05
Features hydronic thermal tubes for efficient climate control throughout the units.

### Project Overview
Located in Dubai, the "Beyond Walls" housing initiative reinterprets communal living and individual identities within the context of a rapidly urbanizing environment. The design aims to provide innovative housing solutions that prioritize sustainability, cultural heritage, and spatial flexibility, addressing the needs of densely populated communities while enhancing social cohesion.

### Spatial Configuration and Community Engagement
The project features modular housing units designed for adaptability, allowing residents to modify their living spaces to suit evolving family dynamics. This flexibility is achieved through the integration of movable walls, which enable occupants to change room configurations based on daily activities, fostering an interactive and fluid living experience. By strategically placing communal areas alongside private spaces, the design promotes interaction among residents while preserving personal privacy, thereby enhancing community engagement.

### Material Choices and Environmental Considerations
The material selection for the project underscores a commitment to sustainability and local context. Key components include rammed earth for its thermal efficiency, mother of pearl for aesthetic qualities, and recycled steel for structural integrity. Additional elements such as hydronic thermal tubes support efficient climate control, while extensive use of glass enhances natural light and visual connectivity between indoor and outdoor environments. Sustainable technologies, including solar panels and greywater recycling systems, further integrate ecological responsibility into the design, reflecting a holistic approach to modern living in an urban setting.

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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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