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Rammed Earth Structure Enhancing Healing Through Natural Light and Communal Spaces

Author:
Elpida Katheklaki
Rammed Earth Structure Enhancing Healing Through Natural Light and Communal Spaces

Project in-detail

The use of rammed earth walls and a flowing, organic form establishes a harmonious connection with the Cretan landscape, fostering a serene environment designed to support the terminally ill and their families.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls provide exceptional thermal insulation and acoustical comfort.
02
Fluid architectural forms create interconnected spaces that encourage social interaction.
03
Natural light is maximized through strategically placed openings and clerestory windows.
04
Local herbs are integrated into the hospice's culinary offerings to promote wellness.
05
The design emphasizes a strong connection to the surrounding Cretan landscape.

### Analytical Report on Earth Waves: Hospice for the Terminally Ill

#### Project Overview

Earth Waves is located in Eastern Crete, within the Mediterranean landscape. This hospice for the terminally ill combines architectural design with the surrounding environment, aiming to create a space that facilitates both healing and reflection. The project emphasizes themes of earth, essence, and human comfort, with a conceptual focus on sustainability and the integration of natural forms.

#### Spatial Strategy

The architectural design features a flowing structure that reflects the softness of natural forms, symbolizing the journey of life and the passage towards death. Interconnected spaces are carefully arranged to support both private reflection and communal healing. Key areas include a welcoming lobby and reception, therapy rooms that leverage natural light and views, a library and gathering area for community interaction, a chapel for spiritual reflection, and a restaurant that incorporates local herbs to enhance well-being and social engagement. Pathways within the site are designed to encourage interaction with the natural landscape, promoting outdoor exploration.

#### Materiality

The choice of materials plays a critical role in the design's environmental and aesthetic objectives. Rammed earth serves as the primary material, recognized for its sustainability, insulation properties, and warmth. This approach evokes a connection to ancient building traditions and the local landscape. Complementing this, reinforced concrete columns provide structural integrity, while terracotta infill adds visual warmth, echoing traditional Cretan architecture. Rustic metal elements in windows and the pergola offer a contrast that highlights the harmonious integration of materials, creating a respectful nod to the unique qualities of the Cretan terrain.

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

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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
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