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Rammed Earth Structure With Natural Wood Shades Optimized for Arid Environments

Author:
Leonardo Marti Bittar
Rammed Earth Structure With Natural Wood Shades Optimized for Arid Environments

Project in-detail

Utilizing rammed earth and natural wood tones, this sustainable residence incorporates advanced water management strategies to create a self-sufficient living environment in a desert context.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes rammed earth for thermal mass, enhancing indoor climate stability.
02
Incorporates a rainwater harvesting system for efficient water management.
03
Features wooden screens that provide both sun shading and aesthetic appeal.
04
Designed with modularity to accommodate future expansions as needed.
05
Integrates local flora in landscaping to promote biodiversity and resilience.

### Project Overview

Located in a desert region characterized by high temperatures and limited rainfall, the Water Villa addresses the challenges of water scarcity through innovative architectural solutions. The design prioritizes sustainable living, aiming to create a self-sufficient habitat that harmonizes with the surrounding environment. By leveraging abundant sunlight for energy and incorporating advanced technologies, the project strives for enhanced comfort and resilience.

### Materiality and Aesthetic Integration

The facade utilizes a combination of rammed earth and shaded wooden screens, which provide both thermal regulation and protective sunshading. The rammed earth offers thermal mass, helping to maintain interior temperatures, while the wooden screens are strategically positioned to mitigate heat gain. Notable materials used in the construction include rammed earth, timber for the screens, steel framework, and glass. The landscaping incorporates indigenous plant species and local stone, enhancing the villa’s connection to its environment while improving microclimatic conditions.

### Spatial Strategy and Sustainability Innovations

The layout of the Water Villa is organized into distinct living, service, and communal zones, allowing for both privacy and social interaction. Open-plan design principles promote natural airflow and light penetration, fostering a strong relationship with the outdoor context. A Hydrothermal Airflow Regulation System (HARS) enhances temperature control through natural air circulation while optimizing water use within the structural systems. Additionally, rainwater harvesting systems effectively capture and manage water for various applications, underscoring the project’s commitment to conservation.

Unique features of the Water Villa include a sophisticated water management system capable of storing approximately 14,440 liters of water, sufficient to support the needs of 5-6 residents for an extended period under conditions of limited rainfall. The integration of solar energy systems to power various utilities exemplifies a proactive approach to energy sustainability, while the design acknowledges local cultural practices by incorporating traditional elements alongside modern materials.

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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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