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Rammed Earth and Tent Fabric Create a Harmonious Living Space in a Balancing Landscape

Authors:
Faris husameddin s Almadani, Badr Alsubaie, Yazeed Khalid N Alsabhan, Jumana Qutub, Adel Alalmaey
Rammed Earth and Tent Fabric Create a Harmonious Living Space in a Balancing Landscape

Project in-detail

Combining rammed earth and flexible tent fabric, this design effectively integrates traditional building techniques with modern sustainability to create a multifunctional family residence.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes rammed earth walls for enhanced thermal efficiency and sustainability.
02
Incorporates flexible tent fabric for adaptable shading and climate control.
03
Features a central courtyard to optimize natural ventilation and light.
04
Integrates local stone for aesthetic continuity with the surrounding landscape.
05
Employs interconnected spaces to foster community interaction while maintaining privacy.

**Overview**

Located in a climate conducive to sustainable living, the House of the Future embodies a synthesis of modern architectural principles and traditional cultural motifs. Influenced by the design of the historical "Ram's House," the project emphasizes connectivity and fluidity, facilitating interaction among inhabitants while recognizing the need for individual space. The design strategies of “Subtraction” and “Extension” create open environments derived from a solid core, resulting in a dynamic spatial configuration.

**Sustainability and Material Selection**

Central to the project’s ethos is its commitment to sustainability, characterized by the integration of eco-friendly materials and environmentally responsive techniques. Key components include rammed earth, which offers thermal mass for energy efficiency, and a flexible tent-like fabric that provides passive shading inspired by local tent structures. The incorporation of xeriscaping techniques reduces water dependency, while tensile mesh augments airflow and aesthetic continuity with nature. Collectively, these elements form a residence that is both innovative and respectful of its environmental context.

**Interior Layout and Spatial Organization**

The interior is organized around a central courtyard that promotes natural ventilation and light, enhancing the overall user experience. The ground floor features interconnected communal areas, including a Majlis, living rooms, and a kitchen designed to support social interaction. In contrast, the private quarters on the first floor provide necessary amenities for tranquility and retreat. Balcony terraces extend the living space outdoors, allowing views of the surrounding landscape and promoting a seamless indoor-outdoor lifestyle. The careful arrangement of spaces ensures an efficient flow between public and private domains, enhancing the functional versatility of the residence.

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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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