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Rammed Earth Construction Blending Traditional Barjeel Features with Modern Aquaponic Systems

Rammed Earth Construction Blending Traditional Barjeel Features with Modern Aquaponic Systems
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Utilizing rammed earth construction and a modern interpretation of the traditional Barjeel cooling system, the design integrates aquaponics for sustainable food production while promoting community interaction in a residential setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth construction enhances thermal insulation and environmental sustainability.
02
The project includes a modern reinterpretation of the traditional Barjeel for natural cooling.
03
Integrated aquaponics systems promote sustainable food production on-site.
04
Community-focused spaces are designed to encourage social interaction among residents.
05
The layout allows for future adaptability to meet changing needs of occupants.

## Architectural Design Report: House of the Future (HOTF)

### Overview
Located in Dubai, UAE, the House of the Future (HOTF) is designed to merge advanced living dynamics with cultural heritage. The project aims to create an environment that encourages community integration and embraces environmental sustainability while reflecting a balance between modern architectural techniques and traditional Emirati elements.

### Spatial Strategy and Social Connectivity
The master plan emphasizes communal interaction through an open layout, facilitating connections among residents and shared spaces. Courtyards enhance natural ventilation and light penetration, contributing to the overall livability of the environment. This design approach responds to the evolving urban context and aligns with Dubai's Masterplan 2040, which places importance on affordable housing and community centers. Furthermore, adaptable spaces promote interactivity, with multi-purpose areas crafted for various family activities and communal engagement.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The project emphasizes sustainable construction methods through a carefully selected material palette. A hybrid structural system labeled "Barjeel 3.0" incorporates 80% earth-based materials, predominantly rammed earth, which provides thermal mass and natural cooling benefits. Concrete is strategically employed for critical structural components, ensuring durability while minimizing the overall environmental footprint. Wood and glass are utilized to enhance acoustic comfort and natural lighting, respectively, while advanced glazing techniques improve energy efficiency. Additionally, integrated aquaponic systems emphasize urban agriculture and aim to significantly reduce vegetable consumption, reinforcing the project's commitment to sustainability.

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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Open architecture competitions

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    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge

AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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Final registration deadline 18 September 2025
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Edition #7 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 18 September 2025
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
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Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

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Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

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Advance registration deadline 9 October 2025
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Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
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Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
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Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
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Final registration deadline 13 November 2025
Concrete 
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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025

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