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Rammed Earth and Wood Frame Homes Integrated with Central Courtyards for Sustainable Living

Author:
Olov Urban Skogmar
Rammed Earth and Wood Frame Homes Integrated with Central Courtyards for Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Combining rammed earth walls and a wood frame structure, the design prioritizes natural ventilation and communal courtyards, creating a sustainable residential environment that fosters community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes rammed earth for enhanced thermal efficiency and environmental integration.
02
Features integrative communal gardens that serve as social interaction zones.
03
Incorporates traditional mashrabiya screens for privacy and light modulation.
04
Employs a passive cooling design facilitated by central atriums.
05
Incorporates local materials to reduce carbon footprint and maintain cultural relevance.

### Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, the Kasbah Gardens project integrates Emirati heritage with contemporary residential needs. The design emphasizes cultural values, sustainability, and community interaction, aiming to redefine modern living through thoughtful architectural strategies. The development fosters a sense of belonging while encouraging both familial gatherings and social connections among residents.

### Spatial Configuration and Community Integration

The layout of Kasbah Gardens features an open-plan concept, with residential units clustered around communal gardens that promote engagement while maintaining individual privacy. Central courtyards serve as vital gathering spaces, providing shaded areas conducive to outdoor activities. This intentional spatial organization enhances airflow and natural ventilation, optimizing comfort and reducing energy consumption.

### Materiality and Construction Techniques

A selection of sustainable materials underscores the project's environmental consciousness. Rammed earth, chosen for its natural aesthetic and thermal mass, works in tandem with polished concrete flooring, which offers a modern finish. Wood frames for windows and supporting structures enhance durability and warmth, while adobe blocks serve as a cost-effective solution for non-load-bearing walls, aligning with local construction practices. Additionally, decorative mashrabiya shutters provide cultural resonance, enhancing both privacy and architectural interest.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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Chair
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MICROHOME
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