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Rammed Earth Structure Featuring Perforated Screens for Sustainable Community Living

Authors:
Hassan Alaaeldin Hassan Mohamed Elfeky, Amr Rabie Hassan Mohamed Awad, Ahmed Mohamed Yaser Mohamed Elkhouly, Ahmed Abdalla Abdelhalim Hassas Abdelaal
Rammed Earth Structure Featuring Perforated Screens for Sustainable Community Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing rammed earth and innovative perforated screens, this sustainable residential complex enhances natural ventilation and communal living while preserving cultural aesthetics.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced rammed earth for enhanced thermal performance.
02
Incorporates recycled concrete aggregate to minimize construction waste.
03
Features unique perforated screens for natural light and airflow management.
04
Design includes internal courtyards promoting community interaction.
05
Employs native landscaping to reduce irrigation needs and support biodiversity.
The architectural project analyzed here focuses on sustainable housing in the United Arab Emirates, addressing the region’s unique climatic and environmental challenges. The design prioritizes energy efficiency and integration with the local culture, showcasing a modern interpretation of traditional Emirati architecture. The project emphasizes functionality, adaptability, and environmental stewardship, reflecting a commitment to sustainable urban living.

Efforts in this architectural design manifest in several key features. The structure comprises multiple interconnected volumes, each designed to facilitate natural ventilation and maximize daylight. Internal courtyards act as a microclimate, enhancing comfort and promoting community interactions among residents. This spatial organization reinforces the balance between private and communal areas, supporting social connectivity within the housing complex.

Innovative Material Usage and Design Techniques

A notable aspect of this project is its choice of materials, prominently featuring rammed earth and recycled concrete aggregates. These materials not only offer thermal mass properties essential for passive cooling but also align with sustainability practices by reducing construction waste. The rammed earth walls create a textured aesthetic, evoking the traditional construction methods of the region while offering modern functionality. The incorporation of glass and steel provides a contrast to the heavier rammed earth, allowing for transparency and visual lightness in the overall design.

The building’s façade employs perforated screens that serve multiple purposes. They provide shade, reducing solar heat gain while enhancing privacy and creating opportunities for artistic expression. This approach to shading reinforces the building's capacity for passive design, ensuring comfortable interiors with minimal reliance on active cooling systems.

Integration of Passive Design Solutions

The project demonstrates an effective integration of passive design principles aimed at promoting energy efficiency. The strategic orientation of the structure, along with the use of shading devices, minimizes heat gain and enhances natural ventilation. The landscape design incorporates native plant species that require minimal irrigation, thus conserving water resources, a consideration crucial in desert environments.

In conclusion, this project exemplifies a holistic approach to sustainable housing. It not only addresses environmental concerns but also reflects the cultural heritage of the UAE through its architectural language. For those interested in the technical aspects and design details, further examination of architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs will provide deeper insights into the project’s innovative solutions and overall execution.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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