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Rammed Earth Pavilion with Terracotta Shading for Community Engagement

Authors:
Nancy Agarwal, Rishitha Jeevan Suvarna, Jamali Mohammadamin
Rammed Earth Pavilion with Terracotta Shading for Community Engagement

Project in-detail

Constructed with rammed earth and complemented by dynamic terracotta shading, the pavilion serves as a community hub that actively engages local youth in sustainable building practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth construction provides natural thermal insulation and sustainability.
02
Terracotta tiles offer adjustable shading to enhance indoor comfort.
03
Children actively participate in the building process, fostering skills in sustainable practices.
04
Modular design allows adaptability for various community functions.
05
Recycled wood is utilized in formworks, reinforcing resource efficiency.

The design of a participatory pavilion in Mosul aims to enhance community engagement and promote sustainability in a city that is striving to recover. Located in a context characterized by resilience, the pavilion serves as a social space for children and local residents. The design centers around modularity and flexibility, enabling various configurations that support different community activities while fostering interaction and collaboration.

Materials and Construction Techniques

The project features rammed earth columns that provide essential structural support while improving thermal efficiency. These columns play a significant role in wall construction, aligning with environmentally sensitive design principles. Utilizing rammed earth connects the pavilion to local materials and the surrounding landscape, reinforcing its context and durability.



Shading and Environmental Control

A system of diamond-shaped terracotta tiles linked by steel pipes addresses shading needs. This solution protects users from direct sunlight while creating an interesting visual effect. The tiles can be rotated, allowing occupants to adjust light and temperature in response to changing environmental conditions.



Modular Design and Community Involvement

The design employs a grid system of tracks that supports modular formworks made from recycled wood. This method encourages flexibility and active participation from the community in the construction process. Children can engage in hands-on activities to learn about sustainable building practices. As they manipulate materials to create their designs, they develop a sense of ownership and responsibility.



Interactive Spaces and Social Connectivity

Strategically designed, the pavilion serves as a gathering point for community interaction. Its layout facilitates collaboration among various groups, enhancing cultural exchange and reinforcing social bonds. The pavilion is more than a physical structure; it represents a shared future, inviting community members to participate in its ongoing development and purpose.



In the context of Mosul's rich heritage, the pavilion's design communicates a message of renewal and hope. Thoughtful details, like the balance between solid earth walls and adaptable shading elements, make it an inviting space for community engagement.

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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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