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Rammed Earth Panels and Natural Wood Brown Harmonize in Sustainable Community Housing

Rammed Earth Panels and Natural Wood Brown Harmonize in Sustainable Community Housing

Project in-detail

Utilizing rammed earth panels and operable louvers for passive cooling, the design integrates sustainable materials with adaptable living spaces to create an efficient community housing solution.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced rammed earth panels to enhance thermal mass and energy efficiency.
02
Incorporates operable louvers for natural ventilation, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling.
03
Features a multi-purpose room adaptable to various family needs and activities.
04
Integrates native landscaping to promote biodiversity and minimize water consumption.
05
Employs prefabrication techniques to streamline construction and minimize site waste.
The project represents a contemporary residential solution located within the United Arab Emirates, designed to meet the growing housing needs in an increasingly urbanized environment. It focuses on integrating sustainable practices, cultural influences, and advanced technologies in architecture. The building encompasses a thoughtful layout, promoting both communal living and private space through an open-concept design strategy. Elevated performance standards for energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact are key considerations throughout the architecture.

Spatial Organization and Functionality

The project features a multi-level design comprising basement, ground, and first floors. The ground floor includes carefully arranged communal spaces—such as a living area, dining space, and kitchen—encouraging interaction among residents. Auxiliary rooms, including a multi-purpose space and maid's quarters, enhance function. Private quarters on the first floor consist of several bedrooms, each with attached bathrooms, and terraces providing external extensions to the indoor living areas. The basement serves utility needs, with mechanical rooms essential for the building's operations.

Sustainable Design and Material Choices

A distinctive aspect of this architecture is the use of prefabricated rammed earth panels. This material offers thermal mass advantages, contributing to energy efficiency by moderating internal temperatures. The design employs operable louvers and passive ventilation systems that facilitate natural cooling, thereby reducing dependency on artificial temperature control.

The landscaping is designed with an understanding of the climate, utilizing native plant species to decrease water usage and combat the urban heat island effect. The integration of water-efficient irrigation methods underlines the commitment to sustainability, ensuring responsible water management within the building’s operational framework.

Innovative Approaches and Energy Efficiency

The project addresses significant environmental concerns related to energy consumption and waste generation. By incorporating geo-thermal cooling systems alongside photovoltaic panels on the roof, the architecture aims to minimize reliance on conventional energy resources. Employing modern prefabrication techniques not only accelerates construction timelines but also effectively reduces material waste, aligning with sustainable construction principles.

In summary, this residential architecture project exemplifies a careful balance between cultural context, functionality, and sustainability. For more in-depth understanding, explore the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs associated with this project to gain further insights into its unique features and design ideas.
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Enter an open architecture
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The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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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