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Rammed Earth Green Design With Passive Cooling and Sustainable Materials

Authors:
Shantanoo Bajaj, Amruta Bajaj, Himanshu D Tembhare
Rammed Earth Green Design With Passive Cooling and Sustainable Materials

Project in-detail

Constructed with rammed earth and sun-dried bricks, this environmentally sensitive bungalow integrates passive cooling techniques and local materials to create a sustainable living space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily from locally sourced rammed earth, enhancing thermal mass and insulation.
02
The design incorporates sun-dried bricks in traditional jali screens for improved airflow and privacy.
03
Passive cooling techniques are integrated through the use of strategically placed wind catchers.
04
Flexible interior spaces allow for multiple functions, adapting to the needs of the occupants.
05
Native landscaping minimizes water usage and supports local biodiversity within the site.

### Project Overview
The TADAFAQ bungalow is situated in a sun-drenched region that emphasizes sustainable living through the integration of architectural design and environmental strategies. The project seeks to forge a connection between the built environment and its natural surroundings, promoting both comfort and usability for its inhabitants. Through the innovative use of materials and design techniques, this dwelling reflects a commitment to harmonizing aesthetics with ecological considerations.

### Climate-Responsive Design
The architectural strategy is informed by a thorough site analysis that takes into account solar orientation and prevailing wind patterns. The bungalow's orientation optimizes solar gain throughout the year, employing large overhangs to provide shade in summer while allowing for natural warmth during the winter months. Cross-ventilation is achieved through strategically positioned openings, including windows and wind catchers, enhancing indoor air quality and thermal comfort by facilitating natural airflow.

### Material Selection
Locally sourced materials play a crucial role in aligning the project with sustainability principles. Rammed earth is utilized for walls, delivering excellent thermal mass and insulation, while adobe adds both energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal. Sun-dried bricks are incorporated into jali screens to allow for airflow, and local timber is employed in both structural and decorative elements to enhance warmth and texture. The combination of these materials not only fulfills functional requirements but also resonates with the regional architectural vernacular.

### Sustainability Measures
The project emphasizes off-grid sustainability through several key strategies. Photovoltaic panels are installed to harness solar energy, enabling on-site electricity generation. Additionally, a rainwater harvesting system collects and recycles water, reducing dependency on external sources. Provisions for converting organic waste into energy contribute to a circular economy, further underscoring the bungalow’s commitment to minimizing ecological impact.

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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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