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Rammed Earth Construction with Integrated Water Features Enhancing Domestic Comfort

Authors:
Nahun Adrian Mora Hernandez, Aaron Gabriel Mora Hernandez, Luis Eduardo Jimenez Aleman
Rammed Earth Construction with Integrated Water Features Enhancing Domestic Comfort

Project in-detail

Utilizing rammed earth and reflective water features, the residence achieves thermal efficiency and aesthetic harmony while fostering intimate indoor and outdoor living spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes rammed earth construction for enhanced thermal mass and energy efficiency.
02
Incorporates reflective water features that optimize passive cooling throughout the home.
03
Features a Majlis designed as a central social hub, promoting family and community engagement.
04
Integrates indoor gardens to enhance air quality and create a calming atmosphere.
05
Employs large windows to maximize natural light while framing views of outdoor landscapes.

# Barjeel House: Architectural Report

## Overview
Located in a culturally significant region, Barjeel House embodies a modern architectural approach that integrates traditional design elements with contemporary needs. Serving as both a residence for a modern family and a representation of local heritage and community values, the project's design intentionally reflects the historical and cultural contexts of its surroundings while prioritizing functionality.

## Spatial Organization and User Experience
Designed on a 450 square meter plot, Barjeel House spans two floors, meticulously organizing spaces to facilitate both communal and private interactions. The ground floor features a two-car garage, a spacious Majlis that serves as the social hub, and a living room and kitchen area with a double-height ceiling, enhancing the sense of volume and connectivity. An outdoor terrace seamlessly connects with the interior to encourage outdoor activities. The second floor accommodates four bedrooms, each designed to optimize natural light and views, contributing to a tranquil and restorative environment. Linear pathways flanked by greenery enhance privacy while enriching the sensory experience within the home.

## Sustainable Material Choices
The material palette of Barjeel House is primarily composed of rammed earth, sourced locally to minimize environmental impact. This choice not only aligns with sustainable building practices but also offers structural durability and effective thermal and acoustic insulation. Additional materials, such as expansive glass windows, local stone, and wooden elements, provide visual depth and warmth to the interiors. The incorporation of reflective water features, including mirrors and pools, further supports the passive cooling strategy, enhancing the overall indoor climate and promoting biodiversity within the landscape.

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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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