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Rammed Earth Walls and Wooden Spaces in a Creative Retreat for Poets

Authors:
Antoine Bouffard hanss, Sixtine Bodard
Rammed Earth Walls and Wooden Spaces in a Creative Retreat for Poets

Project in-detail

Constructed from rammed earth and topped with a wooden structure, the retreat for poets blends seamlessly into the landscape while providing secluded spaces for creativity and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily from locally sourced rammed earth.
02
Features an underground circulation system to minimize site disruption.
03
Wooden workspaces are designed to enhance natural light and views.
04
Entrances to huts are concealed to maintain visual harmony with the landscape.
05
Integrates sustainable practices by promoting local resource use.

Rural Huts: A Place for Poetry offers a thoughtful approach to living and working within nature. The design serves as a retreat for poets. Positioned in a remote landscape, it aims to connect individuals with the natural world. The concept revolves around a unique underground circulation system that ensures minimal disruption to the surroundings while creating spaces for solitude and collaboration.

Design Integration

The layout is carefully planned to make use of the site’s natural elements such as wind, sun, and water. The underground circulation is dug into the earth, allowing the walls to be built from the material that has been excavated. This innovative method not only preserves the visual landscape but also enhances thermal comfort and acoustic qualities within the space. It reflects a commitment to blending architecture with its environment.

Spatial Arrangement

Rising above the earth, a wooden structure houses the workspaces for poets. This separation of levels creates a contrast between the built form and the natural ground. The earthen walls blend into the landscape, while the wooden framework gives a different texture and a sense of openness. The walls are arranged strategically to frame views of the nature outside, encouraging connection with the surroundings.

Material Consideration

Sustainability is a key aspect of the design, reflected in the choice of materials. The use of rammed earth for the walls and a concrete foundation offers durability while promoting local sourcing. Holz100 walls provide additional strength, creating spaces that are both functional and inviting. These materials contribute to a reduced environmental impact, aligning with the overall philosophy of the huts.

Common areas and paths for movement are situated below ground, allowing activities to flow without drawing attention. This thoughtful arrangement creates a sense of privacy and seclusion, letting users fully engage with their writing and reflection.

Volumes rise gently from the soil, maintaining a connection to the earth and landscape. Each hut reflects the careful design process. The interaction between natural elements and thoughtful architecture encourages an inspiring and peaceful environment for its users.

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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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