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Rammed Earth Residence Featuring Climate-Responsive Atrium Design and Natural Ventilation

Author:
Fabian Korycki
Rammed Earth Residence Featuring Climate-Responsive Atrium Design and Natural Ventilation

Project in-detail

Constructed from rammed earth and integrated with a climate-responsive atrium, the residence enhances natural ventilation while providing a functional living space designed for a desert environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily with rammed earth to enhance thermal mass and energy efficiency.
02
Incorporates a central atrium that facilitates natural ventilation and daylighting.
03
Utilizes locally sourced materials to minimize environmental impact and support the local economy.
04
Employs automated construction techniques to improve construction efficiency and precision.
05
Features a layout that distinctly separates private and communal spaces for optimal functionality.

### Overview
Located in a hot-arid climate near Dubai, the design exemplifies a sustainable housing approach that integrates traditional construction methods with contemporary technologies. The primary material, rammed earth, is selected for its environmental benefits, functionality, and adaptability, addressing both aesthetic considerations and climatic challenges.

### Materiality and Performance
Rammed earth serves as the cornerstone of the building's structure, offering significant thermal mass to effectively regulate indoor temperatures. This choice not only connects the home aesthetically to the surrounding environment but also enhances energy efficiency. Large windows and doors made of glass create a visual linkage to the outdoors while inviting ample natural light into the space. The incorporation of steel in structural elements ensures durability, complementing the warmth provided by wooden interior finishes.

### Spatial Organization and Ventilation
The two-level layout clearly differentiates between private and communal spaces. The ground floor features designated areas for guests and family interactions, including a central courtyard that maximizes natural cooling and light. The first floor is dedicated to private living, with bedrooms and bathrooms designed to provide intimacy while maintaining accessibility. A strategically placed two-story atrium promotes air circulation through a chimney effect, facilitating a comfortable indoor climate by allowing hot air to escape. This design underscores a thoughtful approach to user experience and environmental responsiveness.

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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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