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Rammed Earth Walls and 3D-Printed Construction for Sustainable Residential Living

Authors:
Łukasz ZdzisŁaw Zabolski, Dominika KŁopotek, PaweŁ Jan Andruszkiewicz, Camila Antonella Mina
Rammed Earth Walls and 3D-Printed Construction for Sustainable Residential Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with rammed earth walls and enhanced by 3D-printed technology, this sustainable residence offers a flexible living environment carefully designed to integrate with its desert surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced rammed earth for enhanced thermal performance.
02
Incorporates 3D-printed elements for efficient and customizable construction.
03
Features self-shading roofs that optimize natural cooling in a desert climate.
04
Central courtyard design fosters connectivity and outdoor living space.
05
Utilizes straw insulation to improve energy efficiency and sustainability.

### Project Overview

The Earth Nest Project is an architectural initiative located in Dubai, aimed at creating adaptable, eco-friendly housing solutions that balance urban living with environmental sustainability. This design focuses on modular housing that can be tailored to meet the diverse needs of families while integrating principles of biomimicry and local material usage. The project responds to the challenges of traditional housing designs by promoting flexibility and personalization within residential spaces.

### Spatial Configuration and Functionality

The layout features simple geometric forms organized around a central courtyard, enhancing connectivity and fostering interaction among inhabitants. Notable design elements include self-shading roofs that mitigate sunlight exposure, earth-cooling features that optimize thermal comfort, and strategically placed wind towers that promote natural ventilation. These architectural components not only prioritize occupant comfort but also strategically address the environmental demands typical of Dubai's climate.

### Material Selection and Environmental Impact

A diverse range of locally sourced materials highlights the project’s commitment to sustainability. Key components include rammed earth for structural walls, sustainably sourced wood for support and aesthetics, and straw for insulation. Innovations such as 3D-printed rammed earth walls and smart concrete batteries for energy storage further reinforce the project's ecological objectives. This combination of materials not only reduces the overall carbon footprint but also enhances energy efficiency, exemplifying the synergy between ecological integrity and modern construction practices.

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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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