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Rammed Earth Construction with Integrated Courtyards for Sustainable Living

Authors:
Levan Sikharulidze, Pavle Burduli
Rammed Earth Construction with Integrated Courtyards for Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing rammed earth construction and strategically placed courtyards, this residence fosters natural ventilation and thermal comfort while accommodating the needs of modern family living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes local rammed earth for superior thermal performance and sustainability.
02
Features an internal courtyard design to enhance natural light and airflow.
03
Incorporates regional materials to reflect the cultural heritage of the Al Fahidi neighborhood.
04
Separates private and communal spaces through thoughtful spatial organization.
05
Employs passive cooling techniques to minimize energy consumption in a hot climate.

## Project Overview

Located in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, the design features a modern residential house that integrates traditional architectural elements with contemporary functionalities. The project is carefully oriented to respond to the surrounding geographical context and address environmental challenges, particularly the extreme temperatures characteristic of desert climates.

## Spatial Organization

The architectural layout draws inspiration from traditional courtyard houses, promoting communal living while ensuring privacy through a clear zoning of public and private spaces. Internal courtyards are central to the design, facilitating natural ventilation and light diffusion, which are essential for maintaining comfort in arid environments. The symmetrical structure achieves a balanced distribution of spaces, notably incorporating a spacious living area that connects seamlessly with the garden, while private zones, such as the bedrooms, are strategically situated to provide tranquility.

## Material Selection and Sustainability

A thoughtful selection of materials contributes to both the aesthetic and functional performance of the residence. Rammed earth is employed for its excellent thermal mass properties, offering effective insulation against temperature fluctuations. Complementary textile finishes enhance the tactile quality of the interior spaces, creating a warm living environment. Additionally, plaster finishes contribute to humidity regulation, while concrete elements provide structural stability and juxtapose the organic nature of rammed earth.

The design philosophy emphasizes sustainability through the use of locally sourced materials and passive cooling techniques, significantly reducing energy consumption. The incorporation of natural elements, including gardens and courtyards, fosters a connection to the outdoor environment, enhancing the quality of life for residents.

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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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