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Rammed Earth Foundations and Recycled Steel Framework for Sustainable Community Living

Authors:
Jasmine Huang, Shuai Ma
Rammed Earth Foundations and Recycled Steel Framework for Sustainable Community Living

Project in-detail

Incorporating rammed earth foundations and recycled steel frameworks, this innovative housing solution adapts to the mountainous terrain of Sichuan, providing flexible living spaces that foster community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth construction enhances thermal mass and energy efficiency.
02
Recycled steel framing provides durability while minimizing environmental impact.
03
Modular design allows for flexible living arrangements tailored to user needs.
04
Integrated solar tiles generate renewable energy for the residences.
05
Courtyard layout fosters community interaction and social cohesion.

### Overview

Located in Mai Village, Meigu County, Sichuan Province, the Multi-Variable Housing project addresses the challenges of rural living in mountainous terrain. The design aims to create adaptable, sustainable, and community-centric living spaces, integrating local cultural elements and modern architectural principles. Acknowledging the socio-economic stagnation historically tied to the region's topography and limited transportation, the project focuses on reshaping living experiences to enhance environmental and social outcomes.

### Spatial Strategy

Central to the design is the concept of adaptability, allowing structures to change based on residents' needs and activities. Inspired by traditional Chinese courtyards, the layout facilitates interaction among community members, thereby reinforcing social ties. The architectural form employs an enclosed courtyard design that serves as a communal space, encouraging cultural practices and social gatherings. Various functional zones are introduced, including modes tailored for daily family use, social events, individual privacy, and workspaces, enabling versatile spatial configurations within the living environment.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

A commitment to sustainability is reflected in the careful choice of materials that prioritize local availability and environmental responsibility. The structural frame utilizes recycled steel for enhanced durability and reduced ecological impact, while solar tiles integrated into the roof promote renewable energy utilization. The use of QuadCore K1000RW lightweight composite wall panels optimizes thermal insulation, and eco-friendly bonded fiberboard contributes to a welcoming interior atmosphere. Additionally, rammed earth sheets in the foundation and interior walls improve thermal mass, while composite decking provides durable, low-maintenance outdoor surfaces. This thoughtful material palette aims to minimize the ecological footprint while maintaining modern living standards.

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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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