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Rammed Earth Structure with Green Roof and Natural Cork Flooring for Community Living

Authors:
Justin Horvath, Salvatore Oggiano
Rammed Earth Structure with Green Roof and Natural Cork Flooring for Community Living

Project in-detail

Incorporating rammed earth walls, a green roof, and sustainable cork flooring, the design creates a cohesive community space that fosters environmental stewardship and social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a central oculus for natural lighting and ventilation.
02
Utilizes locally sourced rammed earth for enhanced thermal performance.
03
Features a shared green roof that serves as a communal garden space.
04
Includes cork flooring, which minimizes environmental impact and provides thermal insulation.
05
Designed with flexible communal areas to encourage social interaction among residents.
The Spiral Community Home is a contemporary architectural project designed to create an integrated living environment that emphasizes sustainability and community interaction. This project utilizes a spiral form to symbolize the interconnectedness of nature and human life, serving as a habitat that encourages ecological mindfulness. It demonstrates a thoughtful approach to architecture that promotes both individual well-being and collective engagement.

One of the principal functions of the Spiral Community Home is to serve as a multifaceted living space that fosters community connections. The design incorporates communal areas alongside private residences, ensuring that social interactions are encouraged without compromising personal privacy. This balance is achieved through the strategic planning of spaces that support various activities, such as gatherings, workshops, and recreational pursuits.

Design Features and Materials
The architectural design employs an array of sustainable materials. Rammed earth forms the primary structural component, offering durability and thermal mass that enhances energy efficiency. The choice of cork flooring reflects an emphasis on comfort and environmental responsibility, utilizing a renewable resource that provides natural insulation.

Unique elements of the project include a central oculus positioned to maximize natural light within the living areas. This feature is integral to passive heating and ventilation strategies, which reduce reliance on artificial systems. A green roof is incorporated to mitigate heat gain while providing additional communal green space.

The architectural plan also features several key zones designed for social interaction. These places are deliberately constructed to accommodate both large gatherings and smaller, informal meetings, promoting a sense of community among residents. The vaulted ceiling heightens the spatial experience, while utilizing traditional techniques in a modern context.

Interacting with Nature and Community
The Spiral Community Home stems from an understanding of its ecological context. The project integrates with its surroundings, leveraging natural landscapes such as vineyards and food forests to create a seamless transition between the built environment and nature. Such interaction not only enhances the living experience but also encourages residents to be stewards of their environment.

The strategic orientation of the building takes into account local wind patterns and solar exposure, optimizing energy efficiency throughout the year. Window placements and wall perforations facilitate cross-ventilation, contributing to a comfortable indoor climate without mechanical intervention.

Explore further details of the Spiral Community Home by reviewing the architectural plans, sections, and designs. Understanding these elements will provide valuable insights into the project's functional complexities and architectural ideas. Engaging with these resources can enhance comprehension of how this project addresses contemporary design challenges in sustainable living environments.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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