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Rammed Earth Structures Featuring Natural Bamboo Integration for Climate-Responsive Living

Authors:
Ignacio López Lorenzo, Ruben Jimenez Mendez, Alejandro Canino Gutierrez
Rammed Earth Structures Featuring Natural Bamboo Integration for Climate-Responsive Living

Project in-detail

Rammed earth walls and locally sourced bamboo create a resilient shelter that adapts seamlessly to extreme climates while promoting sustainable living practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls enhance thermal mass, providing natural temperature regulation.
02
Locally harvested bamboo adds structural strength while minimizing environmental impact.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes snow shedding and wind resistance in polar conditions.
04
Natural ventilation systems are integrated to reduce reliance on mechanical cooling.
05
Water collection features funnel rainwater for sustainable usage in arid climates.

### Overview

Located in diverse climatic regions, the project "Extreme Situations" introduces a thoughtful design approach tailored to the challenges presented by tropical, desert, and polar environments. The intent is to create adaptable and sustainable living spaces that respond effectively to their respective climates. With an emphasis on resource conservation, the design utilizes locally sourced materials and innovative construction techniques, aiming to integrate ecological concerns into the fabric of everyday life.

### Spatial Strategy

The design framework comprises three distinct modules, each specifically crafted for its climate context. The Tropical Module employs lightweight materials such as wood and bamboo, featuring designs that promote airflow and solar shading through open layouts and overhanging roofs. In contrast, the Desert Module utilizes durable materials, including rammed earth and stone, with features like thick walls and small openings to control temperature—fostering intimate enclosed courtyards for social interaction. The Polar Module focuses on compact living spaces optimized for heat retention, utilizing high-insulation materials like foam panels. Domed structures minimize snow accumulation while maximizing passive solar gain through extensive glazing.

### Materiality and Sustainability

A wide array of materials is strategically selected for their environmental benefits and suitability for each climate. This includes renewable resources such as bamboo and wood, as well as high thermal mass materials like rammed earth and stone. Recycled plastics and insulating foam panels enhance energy efficiency, while clay and glass contribute to thermal regulation and natural lighting. The project prioritizes renewable energy solutions and efficient water management systems, ensuring each module operates with minimal ecological impact and is prepared for disaster resilience.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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