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Rammed Earth Construction with Solar Textiles in a Desert-Integrated Residence

Author:
Juan Carlos Naranjo Lozano
Rammed Earth Construction with Solar Textiles in a Desert-Integrated Residence

Project in-detail

Utilizing rammed earth and innovative solar textiles, the residence embodies sustainable living in a desert environment while promoting community interaction and individual privacy.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes local rammed earth for enhanced thermal mass and durability.
02
Incorporates solar textiles for integrated shading and natural ventilation.
03
Features an interior garden to promote air quality and aesthetics.
04
Adapts traditional Barjeel screens to balance privacy and airflow.
05
Employs prefabricated elements for efficient construction and flexibility.

### Project Overview

The Verdant Sun - House of the Future, located in an unspecified desert climate, integrates principles of sustainable living with traditional cultural elements. The design reflects an intent to create harmonious spaces that accommodate both communal activities and individual privacy, effectively responding to the environmental challenges characteristic of the region.

### Privacy and Spatial Organization

The architectural layout prioritizes privacy through the careful segregation of spaces. The configuration allows for a dynamic interaction among communal areas while providing opportunities for solitude in private chambers. The integration of "The Majlis" serves as a traditional gathering space that facilitates connectivity within the home, encouraging social interaction yet respecting personal boundaries.

### Material and Environmental Innovation

The project employs several sustainable materials and techniques. Rammed earth is utilized for its thermal mass and durability, sourced locally to minimize transportation impact. Prefabricated modular components enhance structural efficiency and reduce construction time. Innovative solar textiles act as shading and ventilation solutions, contributing to overall energy efficiency. Additionally, traditional design elements, like the barjeel, are reinterpreted to balance privacy and light, further enhancing the indoor climate.

The sustainability strategy includes intelligent water management systems to optimize rainwater collection and reduce environmental impact. Energy-efficient features, such as strategically placed ventilated spaces, decrease dependence on mechanical climate control. The design approach also incorporates zero-waste principles, minimizing construction waste and encouraging composting practices throughout the home.

### Spatial and Functional Elements

Functional spaces within the design include interior gardens that serve both aesthetic and ecological purposes, enhancing indoor air quality. Each room is designed for specific functions while ensuring access to natural light and ventilation. The architecture allows for flexibility and future expansion, enabling occupants to adapt their living spaces as needs evolve. This commitment to adaptability reflects a thoughtful consideration of both immediate and long-term user requirements.

The architectural strategy bridges cultural heritage and modern convenience, exemplifying a proficient response to the demands of contemporary desert living. By utilizing local materials, the design contributes to a reduced carbon footprint while promoting community engagement and environmental stewardship.

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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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