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Rammed Earth Walls and Ironwood Framework Harmonize with Cascading Water Features in a Coastal Residence

Authors:
Edward Lincoln Sotingco Uy, Tsz Lok Kyle Wong
Rammed Earth Walls and Ironwood Framework Harmonize with Cascading Water Features in a Coastal Residence

Project in-detail

Rammed earth walls and an ironwood framework create a durable yet inviting coastal residence that seamlessly integrates with its natural landscape while accommodating sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth construction provides thermal mass and energy efficiency.
02
Ironwood framework offers durability and regional character.
03
The central courtyard features cascading water elements for enhanced livability.
04
Terracing aligns with the natural landscape for effective water management.
05
Strategic glass placement maximizes natural light and views while ensuring privacy.

**Architectural Overview**
Cascade is situated in Punta Cruz, Bohol, Philippines, and is designed to integrate the built environment with the coastal landscape. The intent of the project is centered on sustainable living and enhancing user experience through thoughtful spatial arrangements. The architecture draws inspiration from local culture, employing sustainable materials to develop a distinct identity that reflects its geographical and ecological context.

**Spatial Configuration**
The design features a radial plan anchored by a central courtyard, which includes various water features that evoke the nearby waterfalls. This arrangement facilitates a journey through the dwelling, guiding occupants from communal areas to more private spaces. The use of terracing not only harmonizes the structure with the sloped site but also echoes the adjacent indigenous Cadapdapan Rice Terraces, fostering a strong connection with the natural environment.

**Material Selection**
Materials for Cascade are selected for both their ecological properties and aesthetic qualities. Philippine Iron Wood is utilized for its durability and warm tone, while rammed earth walls provide excellent thermal mass and resonance with the local context. Water features and stone elements enhance the sensory experience, and glass components enable ample natural light, creating visual continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces. These materials collectively support the overall energy efficiency and ecological integrity of the 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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