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Recycled Textiles and Earthen Bricks Shape Sustainable Community Spaces

Authors:
Min Kyoung woo, Lee Min hye, Kim Dong su, Lee Gyu min
Recycled Textiles and Earthen Bricks Shape Sustainable Community Spaces

Project in-detail

By integrating repurposed textiles and earthen bricks, the design creates adaptable community spaces that promote sustainability while reflecting local cultural values.
5 key facts about this project
01
Repurposes discarded clothing as building materials, emphasizing waste reduction.
02
Features a multi-purpose central space inspired by traditional Ghanaian architecture.
03
Integrates renewable energy sources, including wind turbines for power generation.
04
Utilizes 3D printed roof panels tailored for local climate conditions.
05
Incorporates an innovative water purification system to support sustainability.
The project "Nourishing Clothes" explores the relationship between architecture and waste by transforming discarded clothing into building materials. This initiative presents a sustainable approach to construction, challenging conventional views of waste and its potential in design. The architecture focuses on repurposing textiles, promoting a circular economy within the community of Ghana. The structure is designed to serve multiple functions, including residential and communal spaces, reinforcing social interactions while addressing practical living needs.

A central feature of the project is its multi-purpose space, which draws inspiration from traditional Ghanaian housing forms while incorporating modern design methodologies. This design fosters community-centered living, encouraging engagement through shared activities and interaction. The thoughtful arrangement of functional areas, including a kitchen, entrance, and toilet facilities, ensures efficient use of space and accessibility for inhabitants.

Materials used in the construction include recycled fabrics, earthen bricks, fiber walls, wind generators, and water purification systems. The choice of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability while providing practical benefits such as thermal insulation and structural integrity. The use of 3D printed roof panels introduces innovative construction techniques, allowing for customized solutions that meet the specific climatic conditions of the location.

Innovative Design Strategies

What sets "Nourishing Clothes" apart from other architectural projects is its emphasis on sustainability through material reuse. By employing discarded clothing as building materials, the design effectively minimizes waste and promotes environmental consciousness. This approach encourages local communities to participate in waste management and resource conservation initiatives, making the architecture not only a physical structure but also a catalyst for social change.

The integration of renewable energy sources, such as wind generators, showcases a forward-looking approach to energy efficiency. Coupled with effective water management systems, the architecture aims for self-sufficiency, reducing the reliance on external resources. The design encourages occupants to be more mindful of their ecological footprint, creating awareness of energy consumption and waste reduction.

Community-Centric Approach

In addition to its sustainable features, the project emphasizes a community-centric approach, which is fundamental to its design philosophy. The central multi-purpose space serves as a hub for social interaction, mirroring the traditional values of communal living within Ghana. This focus on social cohesion enhances the project's relevance to the local culture and lifestyle, grounding the architecture within its context.

The architecture promotes adaptability by utilizing flexible spaces that can evolve based on the community's needs. Folding doors and open layouts encourage versatility, allowing spaces to expand or contract as required. This responsiveness to the user and cultural context ensures long-term usability and relevance, differentiating "Nourishing Clothes" from conventional residential designs.

For more detailed insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that inform the project, readers are encouraged to explore the full presentation of "Nourishing Clothes." This exploration will provide a deeper understanding of the innovative approaches and sustainable practices adopted in its design.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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