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Rammed Earth Structure Featuring Flexible Natural Textures for Community Living

Authors:
Amina Mihmić, Amar Zuka, Josipa škrobo
Rammed Earth Structure Featuring Flexible Natural Textures for Community Living

Project in-detail

A rammed earth construction seamlessly integrates flexible interior spaces and reclaimed wood accents, promoting communal living while responding to the local climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls provide superior thermal insulation suited for the local climate.
02
Movable internal walls allow for adaptable living spaces that respond to changing needs.
03
Reclaimed wood elements enhance sustainability and add warm aesthetics throughout.
04
The central atrium design promotes natural ventilation, optimizing air flow.
05
Incorporation of cultural screen patterns connects modern design with local heritage.

### Architectural Analysis Report: DUNETRIX

#### Introduction
Located in the UAE, the DUNETRIX residential project presents a novel approach to community living that prioritizes both functionality and environmental sustainability. The design concept emphasizes the interplay between public and private spaces, incorporating traditional architectural elements while addressing contemporary residential needs. Central to the design is a response to the surrounding desert landscape, with structural forms inspired by local dune topography, establishing a connection to the environment.

#### Spatial Configuration
The spatial organization of DUNETRIX features distinct zones that facilitate both communal and private activities. On the ground floor, communal areas, including kitchens and living rooms, promote social interaction and family gatherings through an open-plan layout. This design fosters unity and fluid movement, with a central circular atrium serving as a focal point for natural light and airflow, enhancing overall comfort.

The upper floors are dedicated to private quarters, providing individual retreats while ensuring a cohesive flow between levels. Unique staircases, including spiral and circular ramps, contribute to vertical movement within the structure, linking the different spaces in an expressive manner.

#### Materiality and Construction
DUNETRIX employs materials that reflect the local context, enhancing both thermal performance and aesthetic quality. Predominantly constructed with rammed earth, the building offers natural insulation and temperature regulation, essential for the region's climate. An integration of steel beams and reclaimed wood ensures structural integrity while delivering a warm aesthetic appeal. Furthermore, the use of natural matting introduces texture and flow, seamlessly merging pathways with the surrounding landscape.

This careful selection and combination of materials represent a dialogue between traditional practices and modern needs, achieving a balance that respects heritage while addressing future requirements. Notably, design elements such as movable walls within communal spaces enhance adaptability, allowing for flexible use based on community activities. Passive cooling strategies and intelligent landscaping reduce energy consumption, reinforcing the project's commitment to sustainability. The incorporation of culturally resonant features, including arched doorways and intricate screen patterns, underscores a dedication to preserving cultural identity within a contemporary framework.

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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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