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Rammed Earth Facades With Flexible Courtyard Layouts Supporting Community Living

Authors:
Alexandre Bardet Esteves Ferreira, Suelen Lança
Rammed Earth Facades With Flexible Courtyard Layouts Supporting Community Living

Project in-detail

Combining rammed earth construction with a flexible courtyard design, the project promotes community living while utilizing sustainable materials and enhancing natural ventilation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth construction is utilized for both durability and thermal efficiency.
02
The design incorporates multiple flexible courtyards that promote social interaction.
03
Natural ventilation strategies are integrated to reduce reliance on mechanical cooling.
04
Local materials are prioritized to enhance cultural relevance and reduce environmental impact.
05
The layout facilitates easy adaptation for changing family needs over time.
The architectural project is centered around sustainable modular living within a defined urban context in the United Arab Emirates. It aims to address the challenges of rapid urbanization by proposing a multifaceted design that integrates residential, communal, and environmental considerations. The primary function of the project is to provide adaptable living spaces that can evolve with the needs of their occupants while maintaining a low ecological footprint.

The design utilizes various materials that align with sustainability goals, notably rammed earth, concrete, wood, glass, decorative grilles, and insulation materials. The choice of rammed earth as a primary building material not only pays homage to traditional construction techniques but also enhances the thermal performance of the structure, minimizing reliance on mechanical cooling systems. The project strategically incorporates green buffers and landscaped areas, which provide essential ecological functions, such as air quality improvement and urban heat mitigation.

The layout of the project includes multiple courtyards, which serve as critical spatial elements for natural ventilation and social interactions. This design promotes an indoor-outdoor relationship, allowing for comfortable living spaces that enhance residential life. The arrangement of public and private zones is deliberately designed to support cultural practices specific to the region, enhancing hospitality and community engagement. Key focus areas include the integration of multipurpose spaces that allow for flexible use, accommodating future familial changes without necessitating extensive renovations.

Unique to this project is its emphasis on creating new urban hubs inland, as opposed to the typical shoreline expansions prevalent in the region. This approach to urban planning not only seeks to develop new areas but also to connect them efficiently to transportation networks, thus improving mobility. The architecture centralizes around a sustainable ethos, leveraging local materials, optimizing environmental performance, and creating spaces that encourage interaction and community living.

In summary, the project presents a thorough exploration of sustainable architecture in an urban setting. For further insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and innovative ideas that underpin this project, readers are encouraged to explore the complete presentation.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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