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Rammed Earth Structure Featuring 3D Printed Modules and Hydro Panels For Sustainable Living

Authors:
Ashraqat Khaled Khalaf Abdellah Mohammed, Abeer Ahmed Ramadan Mohamed
Rammed Earth Structure Featuring 3D Printed Modules and Hydro Panels For Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Rammed earth walls blend harmoniously with 3D printed modules and hydro panels, creating a sustainable villa that utilizes traditional ventilation methods to enhance living comfort in the UAE.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls provide thermal mass for energy efficiency and comfort.
02
3D printed structural modules enhance precision and reduce construction waste.
03
Hydro panels collect moisture from the air for sustainable water supply.
04
Wind turbines are integrated for on-site renewable energy generation.
05
The design incorporates traditional Barjeel openings for natural ventilation.

### Overview
Located in the United Arab Emirates, Jeel is a villa designed to merge cultural heritage with contemporary sustainable practices. The project, whose name translates to "generation" in Arabic, seeks to honor traditional Emirati architectural forms while incorporating innovative technologies aimed at achieving a net-zero carbon footprint. Notably, the design emphasizes the historical significance of the Barjeel, or wind catcher, a traditional element vital for natural ventilation in Emirati architecture.

### Spatial and Environmental Strategy
The spatial organization of Jeel prioritizes family life and social interaction through a thoughtfully structured floor plan. The ground floor features communal areas, including a living room, dining space, and a multi-purpose room, promoting a fluid experience for residents and visitors. The upper floor is designated for private bedrooms and workspaces, ensuring privacy while maintaining visual continuity with the common areas below. Outdoor spaces, enhanced with landscaping, provide recreational opportunities and foster a connection to nature.

In addressing environmental concerns, the villa incorporates a variety of sustainable technologies. The design integrates traditional wind catchers with modern cooling systems, optimizing natural airflow. Features such as hydro panels for water harvesting, solar panels for energy production, and strategically placed wind turbines enhance the building’s energy efficiency. The thoughtful use of rammed earth, combined with advanced construction techniques like 3D printed modules, reflects a commitment to sustainable building materials.

### Materiality and Aesthetic Considerations
The villa’s design embodies a harmonious interplay of materials and architectural forms. Rammed earth serves as the primary building material, valued for its thermal mass and sustainability. The façade is characterized by a mix of varied textures, including glass and metal accents, which contribute to the visual dynamism of the structure. Curvilinear elements contrast with sharp geometric lines, fostering a dialogue between tradition and modernity.

Technological integration is also a key feature, exemplified by the "Jeel-Space" app that allows occupants to virtually navigate the home and explore design layouts. This digital interface enhances user engagement and connection to the living environment. Overall, Jeel represents a sophisticated architectural approach that respects cultural heritage while embracing forward-thinking design principles.

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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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