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Rammed Earth and Galvanized Steel Structure for Community Engagement in Sustainable Farming

Author:
Joanne Cuffe
Rammed Earth and Galvanized Steel Structure for Community Engagement in Sustainable Farming

Project in-detail

Utilizing a combination of rammed earth and galvanized steel, the structure facilitates rainwater collection while serving as a multifunctional hub for community engagement on a working farm.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes rammed earth walls for thermal stability and aesthetic integration with the landscape.
02
Incorporates a galvanized steel framework that enhances structural longevity and reduces corrosion.
03
Features a rainwater collection system that channels precipitation for agricultural use.
04
Includes adaptable spaces with foldable tables for flexible community gatherings.
05
Designed with multiple levels to enhance observation and interaction with the surrounding environment.

The Rain Tower is an architectural installation designed to intertwine seamlessly with its natural surroundings while serving practical functions on a working farm. The design emphasizes sustainability, interaction with nature, and community engagement, exploring how functional architecture can also foster connections between users and their environment.

The primary function of the Rain Tower is to serve as an observation and gathering space that encourages users to engage with their surroundings, particularly during rainfall. The structure's innovative water management system ensures that rainwater is collected and utilized, demonstrating a commitment to environmentally responsible design. The tower's multi-tiered levels allow for diverse activities, enhancing user experience while showcasing the surrounding landscape.

Sustainable Design Features

A key differentiator of the Rain Tower is its integration of sustainable and innovative design elements. The use of rammed earth walls provides both aesthetic appeal and thermal mass, stabilizing indoor temperatures while connecting the building to its earthy context. The galvanized steel structure offers durability and supports the tower's vertical orientation while staying visually understated. The incorporation of a sophisticated gutter system captures rainwater at every level, channeling it effectively for agricultural use on the farm. This design feature not only reduces water waste but also engages users by fostering a greater awareness of natural water cycles.

Adaptive Spatial Configurations

The arrangement of spaces within the Rain Tower exemplifies adaptability. Ground-level entry facilitates movement into the structure, leading to a sequence of functional areas that transition seamlessly from one to another. Each upper level serves a specific purpose, such as observation or social gatherings, while remaining flexible enough to cater to various activities. The inclusion of foldable tables and sliding doors reflects a thoughtful approach to space utilization, allowing the tower to transform based on user needs and environmental conditions.

Overall, the Rain Tower stands as an architectural project that effectively combines practicality with ecological awareness. Its commitment to sustainability, attention to detail, and innovative spatial configurations make it a notable example of how architecture can respond to both human needs and natural systems. To gain deeper insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas behind the Rain Tower, explore the project presentation further.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
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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
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