Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Raw Earth and Fiber-Cement Form a Sustainable Home Structure

Authors:
Giulia Frisone, Gian luca Cama
Raw Earth and Fiber-Cement Form a Sustainable Home Structure

Project in-detail

Constructed with local raw earth and fiber-cement, this modular home emphasizes sustainability and adaptability, providing a flexible living environment suited for contemporary lifestyles.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using local raw earth for thermal regulation.
02
Features a modular design that allows for flexible spatial arrangements.
03
Incorporates shatterproof triple-glazed windows for enhanced insulation.
04
Utilizes fiber-cement panels for weather resistance and sustainability.
05
Includes a home office separated from common living spaces for increased productivity.

Essenshelty presents a thoughtful response to the changing needs of modern living. Located in an environment that reflects the necessities of today’s society, it combines essential shelter with adaptable design. The aim is to create a home that accommodates diverse activities while fostering a sense of community and safety among residents.

Architecture and Space Organization
The layout organizes the home into clear functional areas, including the living room, kitchen, home office, bathroom, storage, bedroom, and patio. This modular approach allows for flexibility in how spaces are used. Separating the home office from shared areas provides distinct work and living environments. This separation can enhance productivity and improve overall well-being.

Material Selection
Sustainability is a core principle in the choice of materials. The basement is constructed using local raw earth, which effectively regulates temperature within the home. Local wood planks are used for the flooring, creating a connection to the nearby environment while offering durability and warmth.

Facade Dynamics
The facade features shatterproof triple-glazed windows that allow natural light to fill the living spaces, contributing to a bright and inviting atmosphere. Fiber-cement boards protect the exterior from weather conditions while maintaining environmental responsibility. The use of OSB panels reduces wall thickness, which helps to save space without sacrificing structural strength.

Energy Efficiency
Design innovations include systems that enhance energy efficiency. A ventilated facade reduces thermal bridging, helping to improve heating and cooling. Photovoltaic tiles are strategically placed to optimize energy generation, contributing to the building's self-sufficiency.

Natural light streams through large windows, creating intriguing patterns on the walls and floors, while connecting the indoor spaces to the outdoor environment.

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