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Rammed Earth and Solar Panels Blend Traditional Heritage with Sustainable Living in a Contemporary Residence

Author:
Jad Fayez Osseiran
Rammed Earth and Solar Panels Blend Traditional Heritage with Sustainable Living in a Contemporary Residence

Project in-detail

Rammed earth walls and solar panels define a sustainable residence that embraces traditional Emirati design while offering modern family living through its adaptable spaces and water conservation features.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth provides high thermal mass for energy efficiency.
02
Solar panels on the roof support a net-zero energy goal.
03
Traditional arches and wooden screens enhance cultural authenticity.
04
Rainwater harvesting system reduces water consumption.
05
Flexible interior spaces adapt to evolving family needs.

**Dar Al Sahra Overview**

Located in the Middle East, Dar Al Sahra integrates traditional Emirati architectural concepts with contemporary sustainable practices. The design seeks to address environmental challenges within the region and promotes a lifestyle that reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Middle East. Central to the design is a courtyard layout that emphasizes social interaction while maintaining private family spaces, fostering community connections.

**Cultural and Environmental Integration**

The architectural language is deeply rooted in local traditions, characterized by elements such as prominent arches and decorative screens that serve both aesthetic and functional roles. The incorporation of sustainability strategies is a key aspect of this project. Solar panels on the roof harness the region's abundant sunlight, while a rainwater harvesting system effectively gathers roof runoff for irrigation and household use. Natural ventilation is achieved through strategically placed openings, enhancing comfort without excessive reliance on mechanical cooling systems. The use of locally sourced materials, including rammed earth, minimizes transportation emissions, supports the local economy, and provides essential thermal mass, further promoting energy efficiency.

**Material Choices and Functionality**

The material selection within Dar Al Sahra emphasizes both performance and visual appeal. Rammed earth contributes to natural insulation and a warm ambiance, while structural insulated wall panels enhance energy efficiency. Wood elements serve dual purposes by adding aesthetic value and functional shading. Additionally, high-performance glass is used in windows to optimize natural light while reducing solar gain. The overall design achieves a harmonious interplay between interior and exterior spaces, with features such as a central courtyard promoting community engagement and a versatile layout accommodating various family needs. The integration of native landscaping enriches the ecological habitat surrounding the structure, enhancing biodiversity and ensuring compatibility with the natural environment.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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