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Rammed Earth Structure Enhanced by Low-E Glazing and Adaptive Solar Shading

Author:
Rakan Eid
Rammed Earth Structure Enhanced by Low-E Glazing and Adaptive Solar Shading

Project in-detail

Combining rammed earth construction with low-emissivity glazing and adaptive solar shading, this residence offers an efficient and sustainable solution for comfortable living in a challenging desert environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls provide superior thermal mass, enhancing indoor climate stability.
02
Low-emissivity glazing minimizes heat gain while maximizing natural light.
03
Adaptive solar shading elements respond to the sun's position throughout the day.
04
The design incorporates recycled materials to reduce environmental impact.
05
Open-concept layouts facilitate flexible use of living spaces for varied activities.

### Project Overview
Located in a desert landscape characterized by arid conditions and dramatic topographies, the design integrates contemporary architecture with sustainable practices. The intent is to create a structure that responds to the environmental context while enhancing aesthetic appeal and environmental performance through the use of natural materials and innovative construction techniques.

### Spatial Strategy
The design employs an organic form that diverges from traditional rectangular layouts, reflecting the fluidity of the surrounding landscape. Open-concept living areas are prioritized, providing flexibility for social gatherings and personal retreats. Maximizing natural light and airflow throughout the interior enhances occupant comfort and aligns with the rhythms of daily life. The layout also includes private spaces, such as bedrooms and offices, to accommodate both communal interaction and individual privacy.

### Materiality and Sustainability
Central to the construction is rammed earth, offering excellent thermal properties and a natural appearance that harmonizes with the desert palette. Recycled materials, including reclaimed wood and metal, are integrated into various design elements to reduce resource consumption. Energy-efficient features such as low-E windows minimize heat transfer while maximizing views and ventilation. Sustainable insulation materials further contribute to maintaining stable indoor conditions. Additionally, solar shading innovations, such as retractable screens and shaded overhangs, protect living areas from direct sunlight, reinforcing the project's commitment to environmental sustainability.

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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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