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Rammed Earth Walls and Terracotta Screens Enhancing Community Living Spaces

Authors:
Amina Benjelloun, Youssef Benjelloun
Rammed Earth Walls and Terracotta Screens Enhancing Community Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Utilizing rammed earth and terracotta screens, the design fosters a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor communal spaces, catering to contemporary family life and encouraging social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes rammed earth construction to enhance thermal mass and reduce energy consumption.
02
Incorporates traditional terracotta screens for natural cooling and privacy.
03
Features a central courtyard designed to encourage social interaction among residents.
04
Integrates a greywater recycling system to promote sustainable water management.
05
Adapts to future family needs with flexible spatial configurations and expansions.
The project is a contemporary residential design that merges traditional architectural elements with modern sustainability practices. It serves as a dwelling for a family, emphasizing community interaction and individual privacy. The building's layout promotes social connectivity while ensuring functional spaces that adapt to the needs of the family.

Distinctively, the architecture incorporates elements such as a central courtyard and a madjlisi, fostering communal living within the culturally rich context. The use of local materials like rammed earth and terracotta not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also improves thermal efficiency, reflecting a commitment to ecological design principles.

Unique Design Approaches

One defining feature of this project is its focus on passive solar design, utilizing strategic orientations and openings to optimize natural light and airflow. The cross ventilation design minimizes dependency on artificial heating and cooling systems. Additionally, the incorporation of evaporative cooling techniques through the use of traditional mashrabiya contributes to a comfortable living environment.

The spatial organization thoughtfully balances private and communal areas. The ground floor integrates shared spaces such as the kitchen and living area, enabling family interaction, while the first floor provides private retreats through bedrooms designed with consideration for both comfort and privacy.

Sustainable Practices and Materiality

This project exemplifies sustainability through innovative building materials and resource management strategies. The use of reinforced concrete ensures structural integrity, while rammed earth and natural finishes create a harmonious connection with the local environment. The architectural plans detail an effective water management system, including greywater recycling capabilities, reflecting a proactive approach to resource conservation.

Moreover, the design allows for future extensions, highlighting adaptability in residential architecture. This foresight in planning speaks to the evolving needs of contemporary families.

For a more comprehensive understanding of the project, including architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, it is recommended to explore the project presentation further. This will provide deeper insight into the architecture and its innovative elements.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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