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Rammed Earth Structure with Zinc Roofing and Integrated Balcony Gardens for Community Living

Author:
Andrew David Pollendine
Rammed Earth Structure with Zinc Roofing and Integrated Balcony Gardens for Community Living

Project in-detail

Rammed earth construction pairs with a zinc roofing system and integrated balcony gardens, creating a multifunctional residential space that fosters community interaction and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes rammed earth for enhanced thermal mass and energy efficiency.
02
Incorporates zinc roofing that reflects heat, improving indoor climate control.
03
Features integrated balcony gardens that promote biodiversity and outdoor connectivity.
04
Designed with flexible spaces to adapt to evolving family needs.
05
Central courtyard serves as a communal area, fostering social interaction.

### Overview
Located in a culturally rich environment, the project embodies a thorough exploration of modern residential living within its specific climatic and social context. The design emerges from the architectural principles proposed by Gottfried Semper, focusing on the relationships between inhabitants, their surroundings, and the material choices that define the structure. The intent is to create a harmonious living space that emphasizes community interaction and environmental adaptability.

### Spatial Configuration
The architectural composition unfolds across three distinct levels, each tailored to serve specific functions while ensuring fluid interaction among spaces. The ground floor encompasses multifunctional areas—living spaces, kitchens, and communal hubs—arranged to encourage connectivity with adjacent outdoor courtyards. The first floor is designated for private living, incorporating bedrooms with balconies that enhance natural ventilation and provide scenic views. The upper ground floor features expansive terraces and gardens designed for recreational use and social engagement, including spaces like the external Majlis that incorporate traditional elements in a contemporary framework.

### Material Selection
A diverse array of materials has been meticulously selected to fulfill aesthetic and functional roles while prioritizing sustainability. Structural insulated rammed earth offers substantial thermal mass and insulation. Zinc roofs provide lightweight, recyclable solutions that effectively reflect heat. The design utilizes glass to enhance visual connections with the outdoors, allowing natural light to fill the interiors. Natural concrete forms ensure structural integrity while allowing for organic shapes, complemented by wood accents that introduce warmth. Locally sourced stone and vegetation are integrated into the landscaping, reinforcing a connection to the site's natural context.

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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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