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Rammed Earth Construction with Integrated Shading Devices for Sustainable Family Living

Authors:
Delaram Gharaghani, Amir Kakavand, Shakiba Alipourmoshkani, Masoomeh Danandeh, Masoomeh Danandeh
Rammed Earth Construction with Integrated Shading Devices for Sustainable Family Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing rammed earth construction and integrated shading devices, the residence offers a sustainable approach to family living while harmonizing with Dubai's cultural heritage and environmental context.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth construction provides thermal mass and reflects local building traditions.
02
Integrated shading devices enhance passive cooling and mitigate heat gain.
03
A central courtyard design promotes natural ventilation and social interaction.
04
Local materials are utilized to minimize environmental impact and blend with the landscape.
05
Water features within the design contribute to microclimate regulation and aesthetic appeal.

### Concept Overview

The project, titled "Heritage as a Treasure," is located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where it acknowledges the region's rich cultural heritage alongside modern urban demands. Its design intent merges contemporary living with traditional elements reflective of local vernacular architecture, creating spaces that resonate with both historical significance and present-day functionality.

### Spatial Organization

The layout is centered around a courtyard that serves as a pivotal element for ventilation and social interaction. The spatial arrangement includes a welcoming entrance hallway that incorporates traditional design elements, a guest zone tailored for entertaining while preserving family privacy, and a family zone that promotes communal living with an appropriate balance of privacy. A discreet service zone is designed to separate household management tasks from family activities, enhancing the overall living experience.

### Material Selection

Materials for this project were chosen with an emphasis on sustainability and cultural relevance. Compact earth is used to provide thermal mass, aligning with local building traditions. Rammed earth blocks contribute to durability while minimizing environmental impact. Concrete is employed for its structural capabilities, allowing creative design expressions. The use of solar panels aids in energy efficiency, and water features are integrated to enhance both aesthetics and the cooling effect within the space.

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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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