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Rammed-Earth Shelter Enhancing Cycling Rest with Natural Amenities

Author:
Henri Guérin-dessert
Rammed-Earth Shelter Enhancing Cycling Rest with Natural Amenities

Project in-detail

Constructed with rammed-earth walls, this shelter offers cyclists a tranquil space with essential amenities, blending into the natural landscape while prioritizing comfort and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed entirely from rammed-earth, enhancing thermal performance.
02
Includes a dedicated bike repair station for cyclist convenience.
03
Features a chimney to provide warmth during cool nights.
04
Designed with varying wall openings to maximize natural light and views.
05
Accommodates both communal and private sleeping areas to foster interaction.

"Earth of Gold" is designed to support cyclists looking for a place to rest on their journeys. Located in a natural landscape, the shelter combines functionality with a design that respects its surroundings. It serves as a peaceful retreat while offering necessary amenities for travelers on the road.

Design Concept

The main idea behind "Earth of Gold" is to connect the built space with nature. The structure features soft rammed-earth walls, which provide both shelter and thermal comfort. These walls help the building blend into the landscape, creating a visual harmony with the local environment. The choice of material reflects an intention to keep the design rooted in its surroundings.

Functional Amenities

Inside the shelter, several essential amenities are available. Cyclists can find a water fountain, picnic table, bike repair tools, toilets, and showers. Each feature has been carefully considered to meet the needs of travelers. A chimney adds warmth during cooler nights, ensuring that visitors feel comfortable regardless of the season.

Spatial Organization

The design separates public and private areas to enhance the user experience. The ground floor contains communal spaces that encourage social interaction among cyclists. In contrast, the upper level provides sleeping quarters for individuals or small groups. This thoughtful layout addresses the practical requirements of cyclists and fosters a sense of community.

User Engagement

An interesting element of the design is the ladder that leads to the sleeping area. This encourages guests to climb up and enjoy a higher view of the surroundings. It creates a chance to look at the stars through the roof, adding an experience of tranquility. This simple design detail invites a deeper connection with the environment and enhances the overall experience of resting in the shelter.

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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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