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Rammed Earth Habitat with Lattice Wood Shading in an Arid Environment

Author:
Vicky Smeke Salame
Rammed Earth Habitat with Lattice Wood Shading in an Arid Environment

Project in-detail

Utilizing rammed earth construction and innovative lattice wood shading, the habitat effectively addresses the challenges of extreme arid climates while providing sustainable living solutions for its residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes rammed earth for superior thermal mass and energy efficiency.
02
Incorporates lattice wood shading to reduce solar heat gain while allowing light.
03
Features adaptable modular units for future expansion based on resident needs.
04
Employs subterranean living areas to leverage natural cooling from the ground.
05
Integrates native plants in landscaping to support local ecology and water conservation.

## Overview

Located in a desert region, the Desert House exemplifies a contemporary solution to social housing designed specifically for arid climates. Its intent is to address the challenges of extreme temperatures and resource limitations while fostering environmental harmony and community connectivity. The architectural strategy integrates indoor and outdoor living spaces, recognizing the significance of natural light and airflow in enhancing thermal comfort and livability.

## Spatial Configuration and Efficiency

The design promotes efficient circulation and functionality through a well-organized floor plan. Central to the layout is the Majlis, a communal area intended for gatherings and social interaction, complemented by living and dining spaces that optimize views and light. Private quarters, including bedrooms, are positioned to ensure privacy and are strategically designed to benefit from natural ventilation and picturesque landscape views. The inclusion of well-planned service areas, such as the kitchen and bathrooms, maintains a seamless transition between public and private spaces.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Material choices reflect a commitment to sustainability, incorporating elements that enhance thermal performance while minimizing environmental impact. Rammed earth is utilized as a primary structural component, offering both natural insulation and aesthetic appeal. Concrete is employed in foundational and structural contexts, ensuring durability, while lattice wood serves dual purposes as shading devices and visual screens, balancing light entry and privacy. Glass elements facilitate the desired connection between indoor and outdoor environments, enriching the user experience. Sustainable landscaping, featuring native plant species, supports biodiversity and contributes to ecological stability within the site.

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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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