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Rammed Earth Home Integrating Green Roofs and Communal Spaces in a Rural Setting

Author:
Zhuoxi Lyu
Rammed Earth Home Integrating Green Roofs and Communal Spaces in a Rural Setting

Project in-detail

Utilizing rammed earth construction and green roofs, the design fosters community living while enhancing energy efficiency in a sustainable rural housing solution.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced rammed earth to enhance thermal performance and sustainability.
02
Features integrated green roofs that support local biodiversity and water retention.
03
Incorporates a circular floor plan that encourages communal interaction and privacy.
04
Employs passive solar heating strategies to reduce energy consumption and enhance comfort.
05
Design includes dug patios to improve natural ventilation and outdoor engagement.

### Overview

The "Back To Soil" project is situated in a rural area of southwestern China, where it engages with traditional earth building techniques to address sustainable living. This initiative emphasizes environmental integration, material sustainability, and cultural relevance while adapting local architectural forms to contemporary residential needs. The design prioritizes the preservation of arable land and seeks to enhance the quality of life for its inhabitants through an efficient melding of indoor and outdoor spaces.

### Spatial Strategy

The architectural layout consists of interconnected volumes varying in height and orientation, creating natural wind corridors and light pockets that minimize the need for mechanical ventilation. A circular floor plan centers around a communal open space, promoting social interaction while respecting individual privacy needs within adjacent private rooms. This design fosters a sense of community and belonging, allowing spaces to adapt to various functions while maintaining intimacy.

### Materiality and Environmental Considerations

The primary construction material is rammed earth, which not only reflects the region's traditional practices but also provides thermal mass benefits. Transparent and semi-transparent materials are judiciously employed to enhance natural light and visual connections to the surrounding landscape. The design incorporates green roofs that function both as insulation and as an effective water retention system for managing local rainfall. Additionally, passive solar heating and natural ventilation strategies are integrated to reduce energy consumption, complemented by features like overhangs and terraces that enhance airflow and create dynamic outdoor living spaces.

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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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