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Rammed Earth and Hemp Insulation in Adaptable Micro Living Spaces

Authors:
Hugo Trihan, Christopher Broyart, Clément Jolivet
Rammed Earth and Hemp Insulation in Adaptable Micro Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Rammed earth walls and hemp insulation define a compact living space designed to adapt to the changing needs of moderate-income families, emphasizing sustainability and efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth offers thermal mass for energy efficiency.
02
Hemp insulation enhances sustainability and reduces carbon footprint.
03
Adaptable designs accommodate changing family sizes and needs.
04
Utilizes local materials to minimize environmental impact.
05
Prefabricated construction streamlines the building process and reduces waste.

The microhouse concept emerges as a thoughtful response to the need for sustainable and adaptable housing in both rural and urban environments. Designed specifically for moderate-income families, the microhouse aims to tackle concerns related to environmental impact and the dynamic nature of modern living. The goal is to create a comfortable, efficient space that functions as a primary residence, demonstrating how compact living can coexist with practicality.

Design Flexibility

Flexibility is a core principle of the microhouse. The layout allows for different household configurations and future changes, such as accommodating children or providing office space. Each version of the design considers how the needs of the residents may evolve over time. This focus on adaptability ensures that the microhouse serves not just as a temporary solution, but as a lasting home for its occupants.

Material Utilization

Local materials play a vital role in the project, emphasizing sustainability and reducing environmental impact. Key materials include rammed earth, argyle screed, wood for structural elements, and hemp insulation. These materials help the building blend into its surroundings while supporting eco-friendly building practices. The careful selection of materials not only enhances the house's performance but also aligns with a philosophy of responsible design.

Sustainable Living Environment

Natural light and ventilation are crucial components of the design. The layout maximizes exposure to daylight while minimizing reliance on artificial lighting. Hemp insulation significantly improves energy efficiency, making the home comfortable in various climates. The use of rammed earth provides thermal mass, helping to regulate indoor temperatures and contribute to a pleasant living environment.

Construction Efficiency

A structured approach to construction enhances efficiency in the building process. The use of prefabricated elements minimizes waste and reduces overall costs. This method of construction enables the microhouse to be an affordable option for families while ensuring a high standard of quality. Careful planning and smart design come together to create a solution that addresses both financial and environmental concerns.

Natural finishes and textures inside the microhouse highlight its materiality, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The overall design emphasizes comfort and practicality. Each space invites interaction, fostering a sense of community and belonging within a compact footprint, underscoring a new way to approach living in limited space.

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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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