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Rammed Earth Construction Enhanced by Retractable Wooden Panels in a Sustainable Family Residence

Authors:
Rafael Cruz, Gabriel Andres Molina Solano, Sebastian Arturo Garcia NuÑez, Juan Sebastian Moreno Delgado
Rammed Earth Construction Enhanced by Retractable Wooden Panels in a Sustainable Family Residence

Project in-detail

Utilizing rammed earth and retractable wooden panels, this residence effectively merges traditional construction techniques with modern sustainability practices to create a versatile living environment for families.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes rammed earth for thermal mass, enhancing energy efficiency.
02
Incorporates retractable wooden panels for adaptable solar control.
03
Features a central courtyard that promotes communal interaction.
04
Integrates water collection systems to minimize resource consumption.
05
Incorporates biophilic design principles through landscaped terraces.

## Overview

Fana’an Mae Manzil, located in a region influenced by Islamic architectural traditions, aims to revitalize cultural elements while addressing contemporary ecological challenges. The design synthesizes aesthetic, functional, and environmental considerations, creating a modern architectural response rooted in heritage.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience

Inspired by the tradition of central courtyards found in Islamic architecture, the design fosters a cohesive living environment that balances community interaction with privacy. The arrangement consists of three primary monolithic structures designed to facilitate natural ventilation and integrate greenery. The layout encompasses an underground communal area, a ground floor featuring interconnected living spaces and courtyards, and a first floor dedicated to private bedrooms and workspaces. This organization maximizes natural light and employs bioclimatic features to enhance the domestic experience and overall comfort.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The project employs environmentally responsible materials and innovative technologies. Rammed earth blocks serve as a primary structural element, providing thermal mass to regulate indoor temperatures. Wood is extensively used for its aesthetic qualities and as a renewable resource, particularly in retractable shading systems. Large glass panels are incorporated to connect interior spaces to the exterior while ensuring structural lightness. Photovoltaic panels on the rooftop further enhance energy efficiency. Sustainable strategies include rainwater harvesting systems and high-efficiency HVAC systems, all designed to promote ecological responsibility in a region characterized by extreme temperatures.

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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
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
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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