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Rammed Earth Walls and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Sustainable Transportation Hub

Authors:
Yuxuan Ma, Jakob Flathmann
Rammed Earth Walls and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Sustainable Transportation Hub

Project in-detail

Utilizing cross-laminated timber and rammed earth, the design integrates sustainable materials to create an efficient transportation hub that seamlessly connects the commercial and historical districts of Weimar.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes rammed earth construction for enhanced thermal performance.
02
Incorporates Japanese woodwork techniques for sustainable craftsmanship.
03
Features a unique bent A-frame design for structural efficiency.
04
Integrates green communal spaces to promote social interaction.
05
Employs recycled materials for disassembly and future reusability.

## Project Overview
Located at a pivotal junction in Weimar, Germany, the design serves as a multifunctional gateway that connects the bustling commercial sector in the north with the historically significant old town to the south. The intent is to function as a hub for sustainable transportation, facilitating enhanced accessibility while integrating various modes of transit. The architectural strategy emphasizes a cohesive relationship between distinct urban areas to foster a vibrant community interaction.

### Spatial Configuration
The building's design features a series of interconnected sections that accommodate diverse functions such as transportation facilities, office spaces, and communal areas. Its layout encourages fluid movement, allowing users to navigate between the various offerings seamlessly. The upper floors are dedicated to administrative functions and collaborative workspaces, which are designed to promote productivity and social engagement within the environment. Communal areas like lounges and meeting rooms are strategically integrated to enhance the overall user experience in a harmonious work setting.

### Material Innovation
The material selection demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and innovative construction techniques. The project employs traditional Japanese woodwork techniques, including "negi arigata" craftsmanship, which not only honors heritage but also incorporates modern processing methods to minimize waste. Key materials include standing seam copper roofing, wooden cladding, and cross-laminated timber, which collectively contribute to structural integrity while promoting aesthetic appeal. Rammed earth walls and cellulose fiber insulation further enhance the sustainability narrative, ensuring the building aligns with contemporary practices that prioritize environmental impact reduction.

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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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