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Rammed Earth Construction Enhancing Community Living Through Flexible Modular Design

Authors:
Gergely Kelecsényi, Áron Sándor, Benjámin Márffy
Rammed Earth Construction Enhancing Community Living Through Flexible Modular Design

Project in-detail

Rammed earth walls and flexible modular units create a unique living environment that encourages community interaction while addressing contemporary housing needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes rammed earth construction techniques for enhanced thermal performance and sustainability.
02
Features flexible modular units that adapt to the changing needs of residents.
03
Incorporates large glass windows for natural light and seamless indoor-outdoor connectivity.
04
Designed with a hexagonal layout to promote community interaction among residents.
05
Employs local materials to minimize environmental impact and support regional economies.
The Rammed House project is an architectural endeavor that reconsiders contemporary living by placing emphasis on community, sustainability, and adaptability. This design showcases a thoughtful integration of essential elements that challenge the prevailing trends of individualism and isolation often associated with modern lifestyles. By focusing on communal spaces, the project aims to address the disconnect prevalent in urban environments, ultimately striving to nurture social ties among residents.

At its core, the Rammed House represents a shift towards collective living. The spatial configuration employs hexagonal arrangements that foster interaction while ensuring individual privacy. This design approach not only optimizes the use of space but also reflects the natural efficiencies found in many biological structures. Each unit is meticulously designed to balance personal space with communal areas, thereby encouraging residents to engage with one another in shared experiences while retaining their autonomy.

Fundamentally, the function of the Rammed House revolves around providing adaptable living solutions for various demographics. The project's layout features flexible spaces that can be customized according to the needs and preferences of residents, facilitating a dynamic living environment suited for families, singles, or mixed-use inhabitants alike. This versatility is increasingly relevant in today’s world as lifestyles evolve and spaces must be able to cater to diverse inhabitants.

A detailed exploration of the design reveals several key elements that contribute to the project’s overall effectiveness. The use of rammed earth for the construction of walls is central to its architectural narrative. This material choice is not only sustainable but also provides excellent thermal mass, allowing residents to enjoy comfortable indoor climates year-round. Complementing the rammed earth are wooden accents, which add warmth and a tactile quality to the surfaces, fostering a connection to the natural environment. Expansive glass windows are strategically integrated into the façade, creating a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors while maximizing natural light and ventilation. Furthermore, the inclusion of green roofs serves multiple purposes; they reduce heat absorption, enhance biodiversity, and create accessible spaces for residents to cultivate communal gardens.

Unique design approaches are clearly prevalent throughout the Rammed House project. The pentagon-inspired hexagonal layout is a defining feature that promotes connectivity amongst occupants, distinguishing this living space from traditional residential designs. This configuration allows for the easy flow of movement between units and communal areas, emphasizing a collective living ethos. The architects also prioritized the use of local materials, which not only minimizes the carbon footprint associated with transportation but also supports local economies. This focus on sustainable practices aligns with the broader goal of reducing environmental impact, making the Rammed House a forward-thinking model for future developments.

The importance of adaptability in design is further demonstrated through the multipurpose functionality of the living spaces. The design allows for easy reconfiguration of spaces to meet the changing needs of its inhabitants, thereby encouraging long-term residency and reducing unnecessary relocations that contribute to urban sprawl. This consideration reflects a growing awareness of the need for efficient use of space in an era where housing shortages are of increasing concern.

Overall, the Rammed House project is not just an architectural endeavor; it is a statement on the potential of architecture to influence social structures positively. By fostering community engagement and sustainable living practices, it presents an innovative pathway for future residential designs. To gain deeper insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that guide this project, readers are encouraged to explore the full presentation. This exploration will provide further detail and understanding of how the Rammed House exemplifies a balanced approach to contemporary architecture, integrating ecological practices with a commitment to enhancing human connections.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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