Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Rammed Earth Walls and Natural Ventilation in Senior Living Design

Authors:
Esther De Sousa Fernandes , Maria Júlia Garib Destro
Rammed Earth Walls and Natural Ventilation in Senior Living Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing rammed earth construction and natural ventilation, the design enhances thermal comfort and accessibility, creating a supportive living environment specifically for senior residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls provide natural insulation and thermal mass for energy efficiency.
02
Large glass openings enhance indoor-outdoor connectivity and natural light penetration.
03
Accessible private balconies improve outdoor engagement for residents.
04
Community gardens encourage interaction and promote a sustainable lifestyle.
05
Multipurpose spaces can adapt to various social and recreational activities.

### Project Overview

Located in Taubaté, São Paulo, Brazil, the "Senior's Corner" encompasses a total area of 7,650 square meters, with a built area of 2,200 square meters. The design aims to address the needs of the elderly population within a densely populated urban environment. By situating the facility near essential services such as a hospital, university, park, and church, it promotes accessibility and engagement for its residents.

### Spatial Organization

The layout prioritizes both private and communal areas to enhance resident interaction and support individual autonomy. Private leisure zones include apartments featuring accessible amenities, wide passageways, and balconies overlooking gardens, which facilitate ease of movement for elderly residents. Communal areas include a multipurpose lounge, gym, and recreational spaces that encourage socialization. Additionally, landscaped green spaces with vegetable gardens, seating areas, and walking paths enhance the overall experience, promoting physical activity and emotional well-being.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The design incorporates a range of materials that focus on sustainability and environmental performance. Rammed earth is employed for its thermal mass properties, enhancing temperature regulation in the region’s hot climate. Wood is utilized for structural and aesthetic components, adding warmth to the environment. A synthetic EVA membrane is chosen for roofing, providing lightweight weather protection, while large glass features allow for abundant natural light and ventilation. This design approach emphasizes energy efficiency and thermal comfort, creating a harmonious living space that aligns with the principles of sustainable architecture.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy