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Rammed Earth Structures with Rainwater Gardens in Drought-Resilient Community

Author:
Oliver Bilak
Rammed Earth Structures with Rainwater Gardens in Drought-Resilient Community
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Rammed earth forms create a drought-resilient community with integrated rainwater gardens, designed to foster social interaction and sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth serves as the primary structural material, enhancing thermal mass and energy efficiency.
02
Rainwater collection systems channel water for rooftop vegetable gardening, promoting sustainability.
03
Communal areas include gardens and a fire pit, designed to encourage social interaction among residents.
04
Large openings on the northern facade provide panoramic views while minimizing heat gain.
05
Recycled bricks from an existing building are integrated into the new structure, supporting material reuse.

The Tilli Vinehouses project is located in the Perugia region, an area facing significant environmental challenges, particularly due to drought. This design aims to create a connection between the buildings and the surrounding landscape, emphasizing sustainability and practicality. The concept focuses on balancing natural elements with the needs of the residents, while also employing strategies that reduce energy use and encourage a sustainable way of living.

Design Concept

At the heart of the design are four key elements necessary for growing organic vines: earth, water, sunshine, and people. These elements are integrated into the structure, demonstrating a commitment to organic principles in a modern context. The use of rammed earth connects the buildings to the soil, while recycled bricks from an old house illustrate the importance of reusing materials. This thoughtful approach promotes environmental responsibility.

Water Management

Water management is a vital aspect of the design. A rainwater collection system gathers water from the roof and stores it in a tank. This collected water can be used for growing vegetables on the rooftop garden. This method supports water conservation efforts and promotes local food production. It also strengthens the connection between residents and their environment.

Spatial Arrangement

The layout of the spaces within the development balances private and shared areas. Communal features include gardens, a swimming pool, and a fire pit, which encourage interaction among residents. Additionally, a restaurant is located at the entrance to serve both residents and visitors, highlighting the community-oriented nature of the design.

Architectural Details

The design incorporates specific elements that respond to the local climate. To minimize direct sunlight, a secondary roof structure has strategic openings made with vine barrels. This allows light and air to enter the living spaces while reducing the dependence on cooling systems. The overall form of the buildings creates a visual link with the surrounding vineyards and hills, resulting in an approachable design that fits well within its context.

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Enter an open architecture
competition now

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
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Open architecture competitions

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    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge

AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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Advance registration deadline 18 September 2025
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
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Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025
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Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

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