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Rammed Earth Structures With Tiered Platforms Dedicated To Community Exploration

Author:
Nathan Waisath
Rammed Earth Structures With Tiered Platforms Dedicated To Community Exploration

Project in-detail

Employing rammed earth construction and tiered viewing platforms, the design offers an immersive space for community engagement and exploration within the natural landscape of South Dakota.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth construction enhances thermal performance and integrates with the natural landscape.
02
Tiered platforms provide multiple vantage points for observing the surrounding environment.
03
Steel grates in walkways allow for light passage, merging safety with transparency.
04
The design invites community interaction, accommodating diverse activities and gatherings.
05
Local materials are prioritized to create a sense of place and sustainability.

## Architectural Design Project Analysis Report

### Overview
Located in South Dakota, this design seeks to immerse visitors in the natural landscape and provoke reflections on historical and personal connections to the land. The project integrates environmental elements with community-focused spaces that emphasize reflection and interaction with the surrounding area. The intent is to create a modern structure that is not only affordable but also versatile, accommodating a range of activities from leisurely exploration to contemplative observation.

### Structure and Form
The design features a multi-level platform arranged in a staggered, spiraling layout that enhances visibility and interaction with the landscape. This configuration mimics the natural topography, creating elevated vantage points that facilitate deeper engagement with the area. Open viewing areas are incorporated to promote social interactions and personal reflection, allowing visitors to connect meaningfully with their environment.

### Materiality
A carefully selected material palette supports both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the design. Rammed earth serves as the core structural element, providing thermal mass while integrating the building into its geographical context. Reinforced concrete offers structural integrity, particularly in load-bearing areas, while steel street grates used in walkways and staircases contribute durability and transparency, promoting an airy atmosphere. The incorporation of embedded weld plates ensures stability and flexibility in the design, while strategically placed wood elements bring warmth and a natural feel, complementing the earthen tones of the surroundings.

### User Experience
Visitor experiences reflect a range of emotional responses, with some expressing discomfort related to the height and openness of the design, juxtaposed with awe at the expansive views. The elevated walkways and platforms create unique vantage points that allow for an enriched interaction with the landscape, contributing to the project's allure. The design encourages both exploration and prolonged engagement, fostering a space that serves diverse users, from tourists to local residents, and promoting a sense of community.

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

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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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