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Rammed Earth Walls and Shipping Containers Creating Sustainable Community Living

Authors:
Lowell Lo, Lowell Lo, Shanna-kay Smith, Domitillah Antoinee
Rammed Earth Walls and Shipping Containers Creating Sustainable Community Living
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Rammed earth walls and shipping containers combine to create adaptable living spaces that foster community engagement and sustainable practices in urban housing.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls provide significant thermal mass for climate control.
02
The use of shipping containers allows for quick assembly and adaptability.
03
Upper-level bedrooms feature direct access to outdoor terraces.
04
Community gardens within the greenhouse encourage local food production.
05
The design incorporates outboard insulation to enhance energy efficiency.

The project focuses on using shipping containers to create affordable housing solutions. It takes place in an urban environment where the demand for efficient living spaces is high. This initiative explores three distinct concepts that prioritize sustainability and adaptability, aiming to meet contemporary housing needs. The designs incorporate a practical structure that balances functionality with communal living aspects.

Concept One: The 3 Containers Laneway House

The first concept presents a configuration of three shipping containers. Two containers are arranged at ground level, while one is stacked above them. This setup results in a compact 1-bedroom dwelling. One container serves as the utility space, containing a washroom, kitchen, and stair access. The adjacent container acts as the main living area. The upper container functions as a master bedroom and includes a terrace for outdoor access. Outboard insulation is used to improve temperature control in colder climates, and openings are limited to maintain the containers' structural integrity.

Concept Two: The 4 Containers Greenhouse Courtyard Rural House

For the second concept, four shipping containers form a residential layout, which includes two bedrooms and a glass greenhouse. Rammed earth walls create a protective U-shaped structure around the greenhouse. These walls provide thermal mass, helping to regulate indoor temperatures, particularly during colder nights and winter months. A stair enclosure features operable windows connected to the greenhouse, allowing warm air to escape in the summer. This design promotes natural ventilation and creates a pleasant interior climate throughout the year.

Concept Three: The Colony of Containers with Greenhouses as 'Earthenhip' Community

The third concept envisions a colony of containers arranged side by side to foster a community-centered living experience. Similar to the second design, rammed earth walls are used to enhance the thermal mass, creating comfortable gathering spaces during winter. The layout encourages the cultivation of organic food within the greenhouse areas, promoting self-sufficiency among residents. This design emphasizes shared resources and addresses the needs for affordable housing while supporting sustainable living through communal areas.

The use of shipping containers and rammed earth walls highlights a commitment to innovative housing solutions. These materials allow for comfortable living arrangements that complement the environment. Unique access to outdoor terraces from the upper-level bedroom creates spaces for relaxation and provides views of the surrounding area.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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