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Rammed Earth Walls and Bamboo Framing in a Sustainable Courtyard Residence

Author:
Paraskevi Stasi
Rammed Earth Walls and Bamboo Framing in a Sustainable Courtyard Residence

Project in-detail

Incorporating rammed earth walls and bamboo framing, the design fosters natural ventilation and biodiversity while serving as a comfortable residential space in Dubai’s arid climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls enhance thermal mass while using locally sourced materials.
02
Bamboo framing provides a sustainable alternative to traditional hardwood structures.
03
A central courtyard promotes natural ventilation, reducing energy consumption.
04
Mushrabiyah screens offer privacy and climate control in a culturally relevant design.
05
Green roof installation supports local biodiversity and manages rainwater runoff.

**Overview**
Located in Dubai, the design emphasizes a synthesis of traditional elements with contemporary sustainability practices, addressing the unique climatic and social context of the region. The project is organized into three interconnected compartments, each serving distinct functions that balance public interaction and private retreat. This architectural approach reflects both cultural heritage and modern innovation, resulting in a living space that adheres to the environmental and social norms of Dubai.

**Spatial Organization**
The layout includes a central courtyard that facilitates cross-ventilation and serves as a communal outdoor space. Surrounding this courtyard are interconnected compartments that transition from more public areas at the front to private chambers at the back and upper levels, accommodating varying degrees of openness. This design offers a nuanced flow of movement, catering to diverse family dynamics while maintaining a harmonious balance between interaction and solitude.

**Sustainable Materiality**
The project incorporates locally sourced and eco-friendly materials to enhance its sustainability and aesthetic integrity. Off-white rendered walls reflect sunlight to minimize heat absorption, while rammed earth walls contribute to energy efficiency through thermal mass. Bamboo serves as a sustainable alternative for window frames and structural elements, while recycled wood is utilized for roofs and pergolas to provide shading. The integration of light-colored surfaces and a green roof supports energy conservation and local biodiversity. Traditional mushrabiyahs facilitate privacy, shading, and ventilation, enriching the home’s cultural narrative and environmental performance.

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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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