Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Rammed Earth Facade With Geothermal Heating in a Sustainable Residential Design

Author:
Georgios Athanasopoulos
Rammed Earth Facade With Geothermal Heating in a Sustainable Residential Design

Project in-detail

Combining a rammed earth facade with geothermal heating systems, this residential design prioritizes sustainability and energy efficiency while seamlessly integrating into its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth construction enhances thermal performance and durability.
02
Geothermal heating reduces energy consumption for temperature regulation.
03
Sustainable materials include locally sourced elements to minimize transport impacts.
04
A green roof design promotes biodiversity and thermal insulation.
05
Cross-ventilation strategies optimize natural airflow throughout the living spaces.

## Overview

Located in a tranquil area with expansive views, the Apothalassia House is designed with a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, incorporating various passive design strategies to minimize energy consumption. The project prioritizes ecological materials and local construction practices, aligning its objectives with environmental stewardship and the preservation of the surrounding ecosystem.

## Spatial Strategy and Form

The architectural layout emphasizes functionality while enhancing the relationship between the interior and exterior environments. The building showcases an organic form that flows with the landscape, characterized by fluid lines that facilitate cross-ventilation and maximize natural light. The roof integrates a green component that encourages biodiversity and reinforces thermal insulation.

## Materials and Sustainability Practices

The choice of rammed earth for the building's facades highlights both sustainability and thermal performance, resulting in excellent insulation and a natural aesthetic. Key sustainable practices employed throughout the design include geothermal heating for efficient climate control, a grey water recycling system to conserve water, and rainwater harvesting for non-potable uses. Local materials and labor promote community involvement and minimize transportation emissions, further enhancing the project's environmental impact.

Inside, open living spaces are defined by large windows that invite natural light and offer unobstructed views of the landscape, while gypsum plastering creates a modern yet warm aesthetic that supports indoor climate regulation. The overall design is complemented by furnishings that reflect the architectural ethos, featuring rounded forms and natural materials.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy