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Rammed Earth Walls and Hydroponic Systems Define Sustainable Living in a Climate-Responsive Home

Author:
Binyu Minchev Binev
Rammed Earth Walls and Hydroponic Systems Define Sustainable Living in a Climate-Responsive Home

Project in-detail

Utilizing rammed earth construction and integrated hydroponic systems, this residence exemplifies a sustainable approach to energy-efficient living in an arid climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth construction enhances thermal mass, reducing energy needs.
02
Hydroponic systems enable sustainable food production within the home.
03
Modular design allows flexible reconfiguration based on occupant needs.
04
Triple-glazed windows optimize natural light while minimizing heat gain.
05
Palm wood elements add local cultural significance and warmth to interiors.

### Overview

Located in Dubai, this residence is conceived to address the specific environmental challenges of the region. The design focuses on creating an energy-efficient habitat that reduces dependency on traditional cooling solutions while leveraging natural resources to promote sustainable living. The project employs a hybrid construction approach, integrating traditional craftsmanship with modern modular techniques to enhance thermal comfort and facilitate efficient assembly.

### Material Selection and Performance

The material selection is integral to the building's performance and aesthetic characteristics:

- **Rammed Earth**: Utilized for the ground floor walls, rammed earth provides significant thermal mass, effectively regulating interior temperatures and promoting energy efficiency by absorbing heat during the day and releasing it at night.

- **Fiber Cement Cladding**: Applied to the upper floors, these panels contrast with the rammed earth base and offer durability while balancing the overall visual composition of the structure.

- **Wood from Palm Trees**: This material adds a tactile element to the architecture, prominently featured in shaded canopies that reflect traditional Middle Eastern designs.

- **Glazing Solutions**: Triple-glazed windows are strategically installed to optimize natural light, reducing heat gain and enhancing interior comfort without the need for excessive artificial lighting.

### Spatial Configuration and Adaptability

The villa's spatial organization across three levels fosters both functionality and flexibility:

- **Ground Floor**: The open-plan layout includes a living area designed for seamless interaction with an outdoor garden. Kitchen and dining spaces incorporate movable elements, allowing for adaptable configurations.

- **Upper Levels**: The first and second floors contain sleeping modules that can be added or removed based on evolving family needs, demonstrating an innovative approach to residential design that accommodates lifestyle changes.

### Environmental Integration

Sustainability is a core tenet of the project, manifested through various ecological features:

- **Solar and Wind Energy**: Roof-mounted solar panels and a wind tower contribute to energy generation and improve natural ventilation, reducing reliance on mechanical systems.

- **Water Resource Management**: The design incorporates rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems, efficiently storing water in a shared underground tank and promoting sustainable irrigation practices.

- **Natural Climate Control**: Cross-ventilation strategies, along with the building's thermal mass, facilitate effective temperature regulation, minimizing the need for artificial heating or cooling solutions.

This residence exemplifies how architecture can adapt to environmental constraints while offering a flexible and responsive living environment.

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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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