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Rammed Earth Construction Harmonizes with Curved Form and Community Engagement

Author:
Victoria Smeke
Rammed Earth Construction Harmonizes with Curved Form and Community Engagement

Project in-detail

Employing rammed earth and a curved form, the design seamlessly integrates with its olive grove surroundings while providing a multifunctional space for olive oil tasting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Employs rammed earth for thermal mass and durability, enhancing energy efficiency.
02
Features a curved form that emulates the organic shape of an olive leaf, promoting aesthetic cohesion with the landscape.
03
Incorporates a rooftop garden that supports biodiversity and provides community gathering space.
04
Utilizes a rainwater collection system for irrigation and sustainability, minimizing resource consumption.
05
Design includes a dedicated meditation space, reflecting the project’s focus on mindfulness and tranquility.

### Project Overview
Located in a region renowned for its olive cultivation, the design is a multi-functional space intended for olive oil tasting and related activities. The project draws inspiration from the olive leaf, representing cultural heritage and nourishment. The layout is designed to enhance visitor engagement by integrating both private and public spaces while maintaining connections with the surrounding landscape.

### Spatial Configuration
The spatial arrangement is carefully planned to facilitate user interaction and community engagement. Key features include a rooftop garden that creates a relaxing environment overlooking olive groves, multipurpose areas adaptable for various activities, and private zones such as bedrooms positioned to ensure tranquility. Additionally, a dedicated meditation and prayer room provides a space for reflection within the overall design. The circular configurations within the building promote accessibility and encourage social interactions among visitors.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The material selection emphasizes sustainability and environmental harmony. Rammed earth serves as a primary construction material, known for its thermal mass properties and low carbon footprint. Wood is utilized in structural framing and finishes, providing warmth and complementing the natural surroundings. Durable concrete is employed for foundations and retaining walls, contributing to structural integrity. An integrated water collection system showcases a commitment to sustainability by reusing rainwater. This thoughtful material palette enhances the aesthetic qualities of the project while underscoring its ecological goals, in line with contemporary architectural practices.

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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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