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Rammed Earth Facades and Shipping Container Integration in Sustainable Residential Design

Authors:
Tasneim Osman Mahgoub Gaafar , Mohanad Abdallah Mohammed Alhassan Idres , Abrar Abdallah Ahmed Almustafa
Rammed Earth Facades and Shipping Container Integration in Sustainable Residential Design

Project in-detail

Integrating shipping containers with rammed earth facades, this residential design prioritizes sustainability and adaptability while balancing communal and private spaces for family living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Uses shipping containers as the primary structural element, promoting repurposing in architecture.
02
Integrates rammed earth facades for enhanced thermal performance and aesthetics.
03
Features movable walls that allow for flexible spatial configurations to adapt to family dynamics.
04
Incorporates green roof systems to manage rainwater and improve insulation.
05
Emphasizes natural ventilation through strategically placed wind catchers to reduce energy use.

### Overview

Sakina House, located in the United Arab Emirates, represents an architectural response to contemporary living while honoring cultural values and environmental sustainability. The design utilizes repurposed shipping containers to create a residential space that emphasizes flexibility, thoughtful zoning, and community interaction. The project aims to foster a tranquil living experience, deeply rooted in the principles of modern Emirati lifestyle.

### Spatial Organization

The zoning strategy effectively delineates the home into distinct areas: a family area featuring communal spaces such as a dining room and kitchen, a guest zone providing privacy for visitors, and a service area that supports household functions without disrupting interactions among family members. Outdoor spaces, including gardens and green areas integrated at various levels, enhance this organization and promote a connection between indoor and outdoor living.

#### Material Utilization

The construction of Sakina House incorporates a diverse range of materials to address both aesthetic and functional requirements. Shipping containers serve as the primary structural elements, contributing to the building's unique character. Complementary materials, such as pre-cast rammed earth panels and GRC (Glass Reinforced Concrete) panels, reinforce durability and provide thermal benefits. The meticulous selection of materials supports sustainable practices, making the design not only innovative but also environmentally responsible.

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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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