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Rammed Earth Walls and Photovoltaic Solutions in Sustainable Community Housing

Author:
Manuel Diaz Salas Porras
Rammed Earth Walls and Photovoltaic Solutions in Sustainable Community Housing

Project in-detail

With rammed earth walls that enhance thermal mass and integrated photovoltaic systems, the design provides a sustainable housing solution for a transient population in the heart of Veracruz’s coffee plantations.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls enhance thermal mass and energy efficiency.
02
Integrated photovoltaic systems support off-grid living.
03
Large windows optimize natural ventilation and daylighting.
04
Community spaces encourage social interaction among residents.
05
Rainwater harvesting tanks are incorporated for effective water management.

### Project Overview

Situated on coffee plantations in Veracruz, Mexico, the design aims to deliver affordable and sustainable housing tailored to a migrant population. Given the significant demand for off-grid housing in the region, this initiative innovatively combines prefabricated components with traditional construction techniques. The outcome emphasizes low carbon emissions while ensuring optimal thermal comfort and structural integrity.

### Spatial Organization and User Interaction

The floor plan of the housing units showcases an intelligent distribution of spaces. Communal areas, including dining and living rooms, are designed to promote social interaction among residents, while private spaces, such as bedrooms, ensure comfort and privacy. A stepped entryway enhances accessibility and creates an inviting outdoor area that encourages community gatherings. This layout not only facilitates daily living but also strengthens social bonds within the migrant population.

### Material and Environmental Strategies

The project employs a diverse palette of materials, focusing on sustainability and functionality. Locally sourced timber and rammed earth form the primary structural components, complemented by prefabricated QuadCore panels that offer superior thermal insulation. Photovoltaic cells are integrated into the roofing system to harness solar energy, while rainwater harvesting systems utilizing 2000-litre slimline tanks support effective water management. The design incorporates thermal mass walls and cross-ventilation strategies to enhance indoor comfort and minimize dependence on mechanical cooling systems. These strategies collectively establish a resilient and resource-efficient housing solution.

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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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