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Rammed Earth Structure Embracing Bird-Inspired Geometry for Community Engagement

Authors:
Youssef Altantawy, Nayer Walid
Rammed Earth Structure Embracing Bird-Inspired Geometry for Community Engagement

Project in-detail

Inspired by avian forms, the rammed earth tower integrates natural materials with a helical structure, promoting community interaction and environmental awareness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily from locally sourced rammed earth, enhancing thermal efficiency.
02
Features a unique helical staircase that promotes accessibility and interaction.
03
Incorporates bird wing-inspired geometry to symbolize freedom and nature.
04
Utilizes sustainable materials, minimizing environmental impact in design.
05
Includes multiple observation platforms for community engagement with the landscape.

### Overview
Wilder Tower is located in De Smet, South Dakota, and aims to create an architectural dialogue that reflects the region's ecological and historical context. The design integrates innovative elements with traditional materials, embodying themes of community and resilience. The structure invites visitors to contemplate the past and future of the area through its unique architectural language.

### Architectural Form and Spatial Strategy
The tower's distinctive ‘V’ shape, reminiscent of bird wings, enhances its visual presence while ensuring structural stability. Integrated viewing platforms offer visitors expansive sightlines into the surrounding landscape, encouraging engagement with the natural environment. A helical staircase facilitates vertical movement throughout the tower, creating a logical flow from one level to the next and maintaining continuous visual interaction with the scenery.

### Materiality and Sustainability
Constructed primarily of rammed earth, the tower connects intimately with its site, utilizing local materials that enhance thermal mass for improved energy efficiency. Steel elements provide structural reinforcement, particularly in crucial areas like the staircase, while wooden decking contributes warmth and tactile enjoyment to the experience. This careful selection of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability and local craftsmanship, aligning with the ecological principles of the project.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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