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Repurposed Rubble and Curvilinear Forms in Sustainable Community Living

Authors:
Aleksandra Dominika Kozłowska, Krzysztof Andrzej Kobiela
Repurposed Rubble and Curvilinear Forms in Sustainable Community Living

Project in-detail

Constructed from locally sourced rubble and characterized by a curvilinear form, this building serves as a flexible living space that fosters community resilience and connection in a post-conflict setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes local rubble as the primary building material to enhance sustainability.
02
Curvilinear form enhances natural light and airflow throughout the space.
03
Community spaces are designed for flexible use to foster social interaction.
04
Incorporates gardens to promote biodiversity and connect residents to nature.
05
Repurposes demolition debris, minimizing waste and environmental impact.

## Overview

Rubble House is situated in a context marked by the remnants of conflict, addressing the needs and challenges faced by communities in post-war environments. The design seeks to integrate environmentally and culturally responsive strategies by utilizing local materials, thereby fostering a reconnection with the surrounding landscape. The architectural approach is characterized by both its distinctive form and its emphasis on resilience, community cohesion, and the potential for reconstruction.

## Spatial Strategy and User Experience

The architectural configuration of Rubble House features a curvilinear form, offering a dynamic presence that contrasts with the harshness of its surroundings. This design not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also optimizes natural light and ventilation within the space. The layout accommodates both individual and collective living, with designated areas for communal gatherings that encourage social interaction and strengthen community bonds. By providing flexible interior spaces, the design facilitates a variety of activities ranging from work to leisure.

## Materiality and Sustainability

Sustainability is a core principle of Rubble House, achieved through the innovative use of local stone and debris as primary construction materials. This approach repurposes what would typically be classified as waste, aligning with environmentally conscious practices. Concrete elements contribute both structural integrity and resilience, ensuring durability against environmental challenges. A rendered finish enhances thermal insulation while visually connecting the building to its context. Interior spaces feature natural wood and lightweight fabrics, which introduce warmth and a tactile quality that contrasts with the more rigid materials used in the structure, further enhancing user experience.

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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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