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Rammed Earth Walls and Green Roof Create Sustainable Community Retreat

Authors:
Charlene Anguille, Elsa Dejan
Rammed Earth Walls and Green Roof Create Sustainable Community Retreat

Project in-detail

Utilizing rammed earth walls and a green roof, the structure embodies sustainable living principles while serving as a communal retreat that fosters connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls provide excellent thermal mass for energy efficiency.
02
A green roof fosters biodiversity and minimizes stormwater runoff.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural integrity and sustainability.
04
The design incorporates passive solar principles for natural climate control.
05
Community spaces are intentionally designed for social interaction and wellness.

The Elemental architectural project represents a thoughtful integration of nature and built environment, emphasizing sustainability and the principle of ecological balance. Designed as a self-sufficient living space, the project orchestrates a blend of form, function, and natural elements. The architectural design prioritizes efficiency and community, aiming to create a harmonious interaction between residents and their surroundings.

The project's central design is organized around a core structure from which distinct areas designated for various functions radiate, representing the core natural elements: earth, air, water, and fire. This approach allows for seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, encouraging occupancy and interaction with the environment. The architecture prioritizes passive energy solutions, ensuring a minimal environmental impact.

Sustainability as a Guiding Principle

The Elemental project is built with sustainability in mind, utilizing materials including rammed earth, cork, and timber sourced responsibly from local suppliers. Rammed earth walls contribute to thermal mass, regulating indoor temperatures and reducing energy consumption. Cork provides additional insulation and structural integrity, while the timber frame construction supports the overall structure and reinforces the project’s commitment to eco-friendly practices.

Each architectural element is designed to minimize ecological disruption. The inclusion of a green roof system enhances biodiversity, allows for stormwater management, and further integrates the building within its natural context. Solar panels are installed to harness renewable energy, underscoring the project's self-sufficiency. Water management systems designed for recycling and purification are integral, promoting efficient use of resources.

Community and Interaction in Design

The spatial arrangement fosters community engagement. Common areas are designed for group activities such as yoga, meditation, and social gatherings, while providing private spaces that allow for personal reflection. This balance encourages interaction while maintaining individual comfort. Additionally, the design emphasizes natural light and airflow, contributing to occupant well-being through biophilic strategies.

What differentiates the Elemental project from conventional architectural designs is its holistic approach, integrating elements of the surrounding landscape into its framework. The project moves beyond standard architectural practices by encouraging occupants to engage with their environment actively. The combination of the four elemental themes with sustainable materials and community-focused design represents a forward-thinking architectural philosophy.

For a deeper understanding of the design and function of the Elemental architectural project, readers are encouraged to explore architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs presented in the project documentation. Reviewing these elements will provide valuable insights into the architectural ideas that shaped this unique project.

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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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