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Rammed Earth Walls and Green Facades Shaping Community Living Spaces in an Urban Environment

Authors:
Michelle Friederici, Laure Preziosi
Rammed Earth Walls and Green Facades Shaping Community Living Spaces in an Urban Environment

Project in-detail

Incorporating rammed earth walls and green facades, the design creates a sustainable community environment that champions adaptability and climate responsiveness in urban residential living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls enhance thermal mass and humidity regulation, optimizing climate control.
02
The project incorporates extensive natural ventilation strategies through carefully designed open spaces.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural integrity while minimizing carbon footprint.
04
Charred wooden shingles create a weather-resistant exterior that reflects traditional building techniques.
05
Flexible layouts accommodate diverse family structures and evolving living needs.
The architectural design project titled "Between the Walls" is situated in Dubai, addressing the intersection of contemporary residential architecture and traditional Middle Eastern design. This project prioritizes sustainability, community integration, and climate responsiveness, making it a significant exploration of urban residential living. The design captures important aspects of cultural identity while meeting the demands of modern living.

The overall function of the project is to provide adaptable living spaces that foster community interaction while ensuring privacy for individual residents. The layout encourages social connections through communal spaces located strategically within the development, promoting an environment conducive to community life. The project enhances livability by incorporating functional areas such as gardens, shared amenities, and recreational facilities that contribute to the well-being of inhabitants.

Design Approach and Materiality

A distinctive feature of "Between the Walls" is its use of rammed earth as a primary building material. This choice not only reflects ecological sensibility but also offers excellent thermal performance, reducing energy consumption. The incorporation of wood in structural elements further supports sustainability and provides a warm aesthetic. These materials are well-suited for the climatic conditions of Dubai, offering benefits in terms of comfort and environmental efficiency.

The spatial organization within the architecture is integral to its success. The design facilitates a gradual transition from public to private spaces, enhancing user experience while ensuring functionality. This layered approach creates a balance between communal engagement and personal privacy, catering to diverse family structures and lifestyles.

Unique Design Features

What sets this project apart from conventional residential designs is its thoughtful integration of green spaces and natural ventilation strategies. The layout prioritizes outdoor areas, incorporating gardens and terraces that extend the living space and enhance air quality. The architecture also incorporates green facades, which not only serve an aesthetic purpose but contribute to thermal regulation and biodiversity within the urban context.

Furthermore, the visual aspects of "Between the Walls" remain connected to traditional Islamic design principles. Arches and textured surfaces echo cultural heritage while adapting these visual cues to modern standards of functionality and efficiency. This layered narrative successfully establishes a dialogue between the old and the new, making the design approachable yet sophisticated.

Environmental Considerations and Adaptability

The incorporation of sustainable design practices is a central tenet of this project. Besides choosing eco-friendly materials, the layout and orientation are optimized for passive solar gain and natural ventilation. These strategies minimize reliance on artificial heating and cooling, promoting a sustainable lifestyle.

The adaptability of the spaces allows for variations in living arrangements, accommodating different family dynamics and personal preferences. This flexibility is particularly relevant in a rapidly changing urban environment, where the needs of residents may shift over time.

Explore the project presentation for more details regarding the architectural plans, sections, and designs as well as the broader architectural ideas that underpin this innovative project. Understanding these elements will provide deeper insights into the architectural approach and the implications for future urban living.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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