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Rammed Earth Walls and Wind Towers Enhance Sustainable Living in Communal Courtyards

Authors:
Magdalini Petroleka, Kimon Konstantaras
Rammed Earth Walls and Wind Towers Enhance Sustainable Living in Communal Courtyards

Project in-detail

Rammed earth walls and strategically integrated wind towers create a sustainable environment that fosters community interaction within a series of interconnected courtyards designed for modern living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls provide thermal mass for energy efficiency.
02
Wind towers enhance natural ventilation throughout the living spaces.
03
Communal courtyards promote social interaction among residents.
04
Cross-laminated timber elements offer structural versatility and sustainability.
05
Strategically placed trombe walls contribute to passive solar heating.
This architectural project represents a calculated response to contemporary urban living challenges while subtly integrating traditional elements. The design maximizes functionality and promotes sustainability, creating a residential setting that accommodates the needs of its inhabitants. It achieves this through a thoughtful arrangement of spaces centered around courtyards, which facilitate both social interaction and privacy.

The project consists of a series of interconnected structures defined by a harmonious blend of local materials and modern construction techniques. Rammed earth panels, pre-cast concrete, wood screens, glass, and trombe walls come together to create an environment conducive to comfortable living while optimizing energy efficiency. These materials not only enhance the aesthetic quality of the buildings but also resonate with the cultural and climatic context of the location, presumably within a warm urban environment.

Unique Design Approaches to Space Utilization

What sets this architectural project apart is its innovative use of outdoor spaces and natural ventilation strategies. Central courtyards act as communal hubs, enhancing social connectivity among residents and allowing for natural cooling and ventilation, thus responding effectively to the prevailing climate. The distinctive use of wind towers facilitates airflow, allowing cooler air to permeate living areas and thereby reducing reliance on mechanical cooling systems. By incorporating these elements, the design prioritizes sustainability while maintaining comfortable living conditions.

Furthermore, the flexibility embedded in the layout enables future adaptability, addressing the evolving needs of families without significant alterations to the structure. This foresight in design ensures that the space remains functional and relevant over time, avoiding the pitfalls of static residential models.

Sustainability and Material Efficiency

Sustainability is a cornerstone of the architectural design, with multiple passive strategies incorporated to minimize environmental impact and enhance energy efficiency. The use of solar panels and trombe walls reflects a commitment to renewable energy and passive solar heating, reducing consumption of non-renewable resources. The choice of locally sourced materials not only supports the local economy but also ensures that the buildings harmonize with their surroundings.

Additionally, the strategic configuration of spaces encourages outdoor living, with terraces and landscaped areas designed to complement the architecture. These features promote a connection with nature, enhancing the overall living experience while adhering to principles of sustainable design.

To gain deeper insights into the project, including architectural plans and sections, as well as the full range of architectural ideas and designs implemented, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation for further details. This exploration will provide a comprehensive understanding of the architectural thought process and the functional outcomes achieved within this innovative residential design.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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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