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Rammed Earth and Natural Ventilation in a Desert-Adapted Residential Oasis

Author:
Leonardo Al Abboud
Rammed Earth and Natural Ventilation in a Desert-Adapted Residential Oasis

Project in-detail

Utilizing rammed earth for thermal efficiency and integrating natural ventilation strategies, the design creates a comfortable and sustainable residential space within a challenging desert environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes rammed earth for superior thermal mass and insulation.
02
Incorporates natural ventilation strategies to enhance indoor comfort.
03
Features integrated desert landscaping with native plant species.
04
Design includes multiple courtyards for light and airflow optimization.
05
Employs sustainable construction methods to minimize environmental impact.

**Overview**
Located in the evolving desert landscape of Dubai, the Earth House aims to integrate contemporary living with cultural heritage. By thoughtfully incorporating traditional architectural practices alongside modern design principles, the project addresses both current needs and longstanding values. The approach emphasizes sustainable materials and environmental considerations, reflecting its commitment to ecological stewardship within the local context.

**Material Strategy**
The design prioritizes the use of locally sourced materials, which contributes to sustainability and minimizes the environmental impact of construction. Key materials include rammed earth for walls, providing thermal mass and insulating properties; wood for structural elements and interior finishes, adding warmth; and concrete, ensuring structural integrity. Glass features prominently in the façade, allowing natural light to permeate and framing views of the surrounding environment. The integration of insulation materials further enhances energy efficiency, while landscaping utilizes desert-adapted plant species to align with the site's ecological framework.

**Spatial Configuration**
The layout of the Earth House consists of overlapping geometric forms that promote interaction while allowing for privacy. An arrangement of courtyards, galleries, and interconnected living spaces enhances natural light and ventilation, essential for climate considerations in a desert setting. Key design elements include a central atrium that facilitates air movement and illuminates the interior, as well as gallery spaces that provide transitional areas, enhancing the connection between indoor and outdoor environments. This strategy emphasizes both social interaction and individual retreat, reflecting the dynamics of daily life in Dubai.

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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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