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 Combined With Traditional Mashrabiya Screens in A Sustainable Residential Design

Author:
Tamanna Jalali Kashem
Rammed Earth Walls Combined With Traditional Mashrabiya Screens in A Sustainable Residential Design

Project in-detail

Rammed earth walls integrate with traditional mashrabiya screens to create a sustainable residence that emphasizes thermal comfort and cultural continuity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls provide superior thermal insulation specific to arid climates.
02
Traditional mashrabiya screens enhance airflow while maintaining privacy throughout the home.
03
Innovative use of local materials minimizes environmental footprint and supports regional craftsmanship.
04
Central courtyard design fosters communal interaction and natural cooling, reflecting cultural values.
05
Integration of solar panels and rainwater harvesting promotes self-sufficiency in energy and water usage.

### Project Overview

The House of the Future - Eco Haven is situated in a context that emphasizes sustainability and cultural relevance. Designed with consideration for the local climate and heritage, the residence integrates traditional architectural elements with contemporary functionality. The intent is to create a living space that fulfills the needs of its occupants while demonstrating environmental stewardship.

### Façade and Materiality

The façade features a combination of rammed earth walls, which are both visually striking and thermally efficient. These walls are embellished with a laser-cut pattern of green foliage that enhances shading and cooling, critical for the region's arid climate. Other materials include sustainably sourced wooden cladding that brings warmth and complements the earthen surfaces, as well as high-quality marble flooring that provides durability and comfort. The use of energy-efficient glass and steel elements maximizes natural light while minimizing heat gain, contributing to the building's overall sustainability.

### Space Planning and Sustainability

Strategically organized, the layout of the house features distinct zones for living, sleeping, and utility areas, promoting functional flow throughout the residence. Interior spaces are designed for flexibility, accommodating diverse family activities and gatherings. Sustainable infrastructure elements, such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems, affirm the project's commitment to energy conservation. The design also incorporates heat deflection mechanisms and strategic airflow management to enhance thermal comfort without reliance on artificial cooling systems.

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

`
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

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