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Rammed Earth Walls and Circular Water Pits in a Community-Focused Habitat

Author:
Sharon Lim Yu Jung
Rammed Earth Walls and Circular Water Pits in a Community-Focused Habitat

Project in-detail

Rammed earth walls and integrated rainwater harvesting systems create a sustainable habitat that fosters community resilience while addressing local environmental challenges.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth construction utilizes local soil to enhance thermal performance.
02
Spiral layout promotes efficient circulation and community interaction.
03
Integrated rainwater harvesting systems support self-sufficient water management.
04
Community gardens cultivate local agriculture and foster social connections.
05
Limestone calcinated clay cement significantly reduces carbon emissions in foundation work.

### Overview
The Earth House is located in the Sahel region of Africa, a transitional zone between diverse ecological environments. This design addresses critical socio-environmental needs by incorporating local materials and vernacular construction methods, tailored to the climate and cultural context. The initiative responds to the challenges posed by desertification and supports the growing youth demographic in the area, fostering a sustainable solution for housing.

### Spatial Configuration and User Interaction
The spatial layout of the Earth House features a spiral configuration that encourages fluid movement between areas, enhancing user interaction. Split levels create a hierarchy of spaces, accommodating varying social dynamics and maximizing the utility of the compact design. Designated openings are strategically positioned to optimize natural light while maintaining privacy, fostering a sense of connection between indoor and outdoor environments.

### Materiality and Sustainability
Construction primarily utilizes stabilized rammed earth sourced from the immediate surroundings, ensuring thermal mass and effective insulation. The project incorporates limestone calcinated clay cement (LC3) in its underfloor and retaining walls to minimize the carbon footprint associated with conventional concrete. The roof employs Kingspan QuadCore LEC insulated panels, significantly improving energy efficiency. Renewable energy is harnessed through roof-integrated solar panels, while a rainwater collection system and organic waste composting promote self-sufficiency and environmental stewardship within the 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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