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 Mashrabiya Screens Elevate Sustainable Living in a Harmonious Community Structure

Author:
Yasmine Moussallem Laham
Rammed Earth and Mashrabiya Screens Elevate Sustainable Living in a Harmonious Community Structure

Project in-detail

Incorporating rammed earth construction and intricate mashrabiya screens, the residence fosters a seamless connection between nature and living spaces, serving as a sustainable community hub.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates passive ventilation through a central wind tower.
02
Rammed earth walls provide exceptional thermal mass and insulation.
03
Mashrabiya screens enhance privacy while promoting natural airflow.
04
The residence features extensive green roofs that support local biodiversity.
05
Flexible spaces are designed for multiple uses, adapting to community needs.

### Project Overview

The Symbiosis residential development is situated in a landscape balanced between arid and lush elements, emphasizing a commitment to sustainable practices and community integration. The design prioritizes the relationship between the built environment and nature, focusing on creating a harmonious living experience that encourages interactions between indoor and outdoor spaces while supporting eco-friendly lifestyles.

### Spatial Organization

The architectural configuration consists of multiple interconnected volumes designed to optimize natural light and airflow. The ground floor features an entrance that transitions into shared living areas, including a spacious living room, dining area, and kitchen, complemented by gardens and patios that foster outdoor engagement. The first floor is dedicated to private spaces, containing bedrooms and bathrooms, strategically designed for tranquility and enhanced by carefully placed windows for optimal light and ventilation. The second floor provides opportunities for future expansion, demonstrating adaptability in dwelling arrangements.

### Materiality and Innovative Systems

The project employs a thoughtful selection of materials that highlight both local resources and sustainable techniques. Clay bricks provide structural integrity and thermal mass, while rammed earth connects the building to its landscape with excellent insulation properties. Large glass windows and facades enhance natural illumination and views, supporting bioclimatic design principles and improving energy efficiency. Mashrabiya screens serve as shading devices, enhancing privacy and promoting airflow.

A notable feature of the design is the Wind Tower, which enhances natural ventilation through broad openings that facilitate cooling breezes, crucial in warmer climates. This element not only contributes to passive cooling but also enriches the architectural profile of the development. The project further integrates green spaces, promoting biodiversity, and incorporates flexible room designs that accommodate evolving needs. Additionally, advanced engineering solutions are implemented to address seismic risks, ensuring structural resilience.

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