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Rammed Earth Construction and Native Landscaping Unite in A Climate-Responsive Residence

Authors:
Yasmijn Frederique Quandt, Mats Milan Kolmas, Nicolle Cobben
Rammed Earth Construction and Native Landscaping Unite in A Climate-Responsive Residence

Project in-detail

Utilizing rammed earth walls and a constructed wetland, the residence integrates native landscaping to enhance sustainability and thermal performance, serving as a comfortable family home in the harsh desert climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes rammed earth for thermal mass and energy efficiency.
02
Incorporates a greywater recycling system for sustainable water management.
03
Features a central courtyard that enhances natural ventilation.
04
Landscaped with native plants to reduce irrigation needs.
05
Integrates a constructed wetland for ecological water filtration.

### Project Overview

Fila Al-Wahat, located in the United Arab Emirates, presents a modern interpretation of traditional Emirati architecture. The design aims to integrate ecological sustainability, cultural heritage, and climate-responsive features, fulfilling the demands of contemporary living while paying homage to the region's architectural legacy.

### Spatial Strategy

The villa employs a layout that fosters both privacy and communal interaction. A central courtyard serves as a focal point for social activities, providing a sheltered environment enriched by local flora. The spatial organization differentiates public areas on the ground floor, which includes living spaces and a kitchen, from private quarters on the first floor, ensuring a balance between community and seclusion. Outdoor spaces, such as the landscaped front yard and central courtyard, enhance the user experience by promoting engagement with nature while offering comfort in the challenging desert climate.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Material choices prioritize aesthetics and environmental performance. Rammed earth is employed for its thermal mass properties, aiding in temperature regulation and sound insulation. The villa features ventilated roofs to enhance air circulation, minimizing dependence on mechanical cooling. Additionally, permeable surfaces are incorporated into the landscape design to facilitate natural drainage and decrease water runoff. A sustainable water management system captures and purifies greywater, contributing to water conservation and reducing the overall ecological footprint. The facade showcases a combination of rammed earth and latticework, achieving both visual appeal and functionality through effective shading and air permeability.

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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

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
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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