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 Weathered Aluminum Frame in Sustainable Residential Design

Authors:
Michael Peter Johan Den Otter, Gaetano Giordano, Alicja KrzywiŃska
Rammed Earth Walls and Weathered Aluminum Frame in Sustainable Residential Design

Project in-detail

Constructed with rammed earth walls and a weathered aluminum frame, this residential design emphasizes sustainability while providing a versatile living space that adapts to the extreme climate of the United Arab Emirates.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced rammed earth for enhanced thermal performance.
02
Weathered aluminum elements contribute to sustainability by utilizing recycled materials.
03
Modular design allows for easy adaptation to various family sizes and needs.
04
Automated shading systems optimize indoor comfort in extreme temperatures.
05
An integrated courtyard promotes outdoor interaction and community bonding.

### Overview
Located in the United Arab Emirates, the Domus Emirati project serves as a prototype for future residential design, addressing the demands of extreme climatic conditions while reflecting the cultural and ecological characteristics of the region. The intent is to promote a sustainable lifestyle through a focus on modern living standards while preserving individual residential identities within the community.

### Architectural Framework and Materiality
The architectural design employs a modular and demountable structure, utilizing a factory-prepared framework of steel and aluminum that facilitates efficient assembly and material conservation. High-tech materials such as steel and aluminum are complemented by locally sourced elements like polished limestone tiles and rammed earth for interior and exterior walls, which assist in natural temperature regulation. Weathered aluminum sourced from construction waste further enhances the project's sustainability profile.

### Spatial Organization and Sustainability Features
The spatial arrangement is organized across two levels, with communal areas located on the ground floor and private rooms on the upper level. The integration of a central courtyard fosters interaction with outdoor spaces, promoting community engagement. Sustainability is emphasized through features such as photovoltaic panels for energy generation, automated shading systems for climate control, and intelligent water management strategies. These elements work towards minimizing environmental impact while enhancing the overall living experience within the architectural framework.

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

`

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