Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Rammed Earth Structure with Natural Timber Elements for Energy-Efficient Living

Author:
Sebastian Fela Narendra Schneeberger
Rammed Earth Structure with Natural Timber Elements for Energy-Efficient Living

Project in-detail

Integrating locally sourced rammed earth and carefully designed timber elements, the residence emphasizes energy efficiency and natural cooling as a modern family home in Dubai.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced rammed earth for superior thermal performance.
02
Features an atrium that enhances natural light and ventilation.
03
Incorporates a graywater recycling system for water efficiency.
04
Employs timber slats for shading and aesthetic continuity.
05
Designed with large openings to maximize airflow in the hot climate.

### Overview
The Vernacular House, located in Dubai, is designed with an emphasis on sustainable practices within the context of the local environment. This residential structure draws inspiration from traditional architectural elements while incorporating modern technologies aimed at minimizing energy consumption and environmental impact. Through innovative approaches to material selection and building methods, the project seeks to create a functional and culturally relevant dwelling that harmonizes with its surroundings.

### Spatial Configuration and Natural Cooling
The building employs a compact massing strategy and an orthogonal layout to reduce heat absorption and enhance airflow. Large windows and strategically positioned openings facilitate the entry of natural light and promote ventilation, aiding in humidity control. The interior layout is adaptable, featuring communal spaces such as an open kitchen and dining area, along with private rooms that maintain connectivity to outdoor views. A central atrium serves as a key element for natural cooling, allowing for effective cross-ventilation throughout the residence.

### Materials and Sustainability
Constructed from locally sourced mud bricks and rammed earth, the Vernacular House highlights the use of traditional materials recognized for their insulating properties. The facade incorporates shading devices and timber slats, contributing to interior climate regulation and visual patterns of light. Sustainability is further prioritized through the integration of solar panels for energy generation and systems for water recycling. These features, alongside advanced electro-mechanical systems for solar-powered cooling, significantly lower the building’s dependency on mechanical solutions while enhancing the overall living environment.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`
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

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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy