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Rammed Earth Walls With Charred Wooden Shingles in a Sustainable Family Residence

Authors:
Henk Nico Rusting, Myrthe Lara Peet, Cenk Batuhan Özaltun
Rammed Earth Walls With Charred Wooden Shingles in a Sustainable Family Residence

Project in-detail

Rammed earth walls and charred wooden shingles create a resilient envelope that enhances thermal efficiency while accommodating a flexible living environment designed for family life.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls provide superior thermal mass, reducing energy consumption.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels allow for quick assembly and structural efficiency.
03
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability and provide a distinctive aesthetic.
04
The bent A-frame design promotes natural ventilation and light distribution.
05
Flexible interior spaces accommodate changing family needs over time.

### Overview
"Solace" is a residential design project located in the United Arab Emirates, where it responds to the regional climate while incorporating elements of traditional Arab architecture. The design aims to balance communal living and privacy, facilitating a functional and comfortable living environment. By integrating local materials into the construction, the project emphasizes sustainability and economic responsibility, ensuring that it aligns with the cultural context of the region.

### Material Innovation
The project employs a range of innovative materials that enhance energy efficiency and sustainability:
- **Rammed Earth Bricks** provide thermal mass, stabilizing indoor temperatures and reducing heat gain.
- **Cross Laminated Timber (CLT)** comprises flexible modules that allow for future expansion and reduces the need for steel and concrete.
- **Reflective Stucco** enhances aesthetics while protecting against solar radiation.
- **Low-e Triple Argon-Filled Glazing** minimizes heat transfer through windows, improving thermal conditions indoors.
- An **Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV)** system improves air quality and regulates temperatures effectively throughout the residence.

These materials collectively contribute to the residence's energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and alignment with sustainable building practices.

### Spatial Organization
The design features a layout that prioritizes airflow and daylight, characterized by two primary masses. Key elements include:
1. **Entrance Design**: An angled entrance enhances privacy, directing visitors to the main living area while offering views of a central atrium courtyard.
2. **Courtyard**: Serving as a focal point, the courtyard encourages community interaction while creating an inviting private space.
3. **Flexible Spaces**: The incorporation of FlexModules permits adaptability for varied functions, such as guest accommodations or workspaces.
4. **Ventilation Strategy**: Strategically placed windows and architectural elements promote passive ventilation, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling.
5. **Interior Aesthetics**: The use of warm colors and natural materials links the interior spaces to the external environment, echoing the overall design language.

These design choices facilitate an effective blend of functionality, comfort, and aesthetic value while addressing environmental considerations.

### Sustainability Strategies
The project demonstrates a commitment to sustainability through several key measures:
- **Solar Panel System**: Designed to meet household energy needs and limit dependence on external power sources.
- **Water Management Practices**: Includes rainwater harvesting and efficient plumbing systems, promoting the conservation of water resources.
- **Waste Management Integration**: Efficient waste disposal systems are incorporated, emphasizing local service partnerships.

In terms of cultural sensitivity, the design reflects local customs and materials while maintaining a modern sensibility. The anticipated construction cost is designed to align with the economic realities of residential development in the UAE, thereby supporting local economies and craftsmanship.

### Advanced Technologies
Additionally, the integration of climate-smart technology features, including water-saving fixtures and energy-efficient devices, positions the residence as a forward-thinking example in the field of sustainable architecture.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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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
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