Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Rammed Earth Residences Enhanced By Local Wood Craftsmanship for Sustainable Living

Author:
Victoria Ayesta Borras
Rammed Earth Residences Enhanced By Local Wood Craftsmanship for Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Constructed from locally sourced rammed earth and timber, this housing initiative promotes sustainable living while providing essential residences for sawmill workers in the Vichada region.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced rammed earth to reduce environmental impact.
02
Features modular construction for future adaptability and scalability.
03
Incorporates efficient rainwater harvesting systems for water conservation.
04
Designed with integrated solar panels to harness renewable energy.
05
Promotes community interaction through communal kitchens and gathering spaces.

**Project Overview**

La Venturosa is located in the Vichada region of Venezuela, adjacent to the Amazon rainforest, and serves as a residential community for sawmill workers associated with a local forestry company. The design of this project aims to provide not only housing but also a supportive living environment that honors the cultural context and ecological setting of the region.

**Site Layout and Planning**

The development spans 1 hectare and incorporates dedicated zones for residential units, communal activities, and essential services. Structures are strategically arranged to enhance accessibility and promote social interactions among residents. Functional zoning facilitates distinct areas for living, working, and recreation, thereby fostering community cohesion.

**Building Structures and Materials**

Residential units feature prefabricated, modular designs that facilitate efficient construction and allow for future expansion as community needs evolve. The primary construction material is rammed earth, selected for its sustainability and structural integrity, significantly lowering the carbon footprint through the use of locally sourced materials. Additionally, local timber is extensively employed for structural components and finishes, while brick and concrete are utilized in foundational aspects to support infrastructure.

To address the climatic challenges of the Amazon, the design includes effective ventilation strategies and shaded areas to ensure year-round comfort. Renewable energy is harnessed through solar panels, while integrated water management systems promote rainwater catchment and greywater recycling, aligning with conservation goals. The layout and material choices reflect a commitment to sustainability, and the project supports the local economy by sourcing labor and resources from the surrounding community.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`

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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy