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Residential community featuring rammed earth panels and traditional wind catchers for sustainable living

Authors:
Magdalini Petroleka, Kimon Konstantaras
Residential community featuring rammed earth panels and traditional wind catchers for sustainable living

Project in-detail

This residential community artfully combines rammed earth panels and traditional wind catchers within a modular layout, creating a harmonious blend of sustainable living and cultural heritage in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The design incorporates traditional wind catchers to enhance passive cooling while maintaining energy efficiency.
02
Rammed earth panels are used extensively, providing thermal mass and reducing the overall ecological footprint.
03
Communal courtyards serve as social hubs, promoting interaction and community engagement among residents.
04
Flexible living spaces are designed to adapt to changing family dynamics, supporting long-term use and evolution.
05
Native landscaping is integrated throughout the project, contributing to local biodiversity and a connection to the surrounding environment.
The project exemplifies a thoughtful approach to architecture, integrating modern design principles with cultural heritage elements. Situated in a vibrant urban environment reminiscent of the Middle East, the design reflects a strong sense of community and sustainability. The architecture prioritizes not only aesthetic appeal but also functional living, responding effectively to the needs of its inhabitants while promoting interaction among residents.

At the core of the project is its unique layout, which is organized around a series of interconnected courtyards. These courtyards serve as vital communal spaces, encouraging social engagement and fostering a sense of belonging among residents. Designed to facilitate both privacy and community interaction, the configuration of living spaces allows users to seamlessly transition between indoor and outdoor areas, thereby enriching their daily experiences.

The project features a combination of materials that highlight sustainability. The use of rammed earth panels not only ensures durability but also contributes to thermal regulation, enhancing the building's energy efficiency. Pre-cast concrete serves as a fundamental structural element, providing stability while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic. This approach indicates a careful consideration of how materials can support both the longevity of the structure and the comfort of its inhabitants.

Incorporating traditional architectural elements, the design showcases wind catchers that enhance passive ventilation—a critical feature in arid climates. This traditional technique draws in cooler air and significantly reduces the need for mechanical cooling systems, aligning with the project’s sustainability goals. Furthermore, the architectural design integrates Trombe walls, which harness solar energy, illustrating the project’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.

The attention to detail is evident in the thoughtful selection of windows and decorative elements made of glass and wood, which introduce natural light into the interiors while creating a warm atmosphere that resonates with residents. Such choices not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also connect occupants with nature, a design philosophy evident in various successful architectural projects.

A notable aspect of this project is its flexibility. The spaces are designed to adapt over time according to the changing needs of families, allowing for future extensions or modifications. This adaptive quality speaks to an understanding of the socio-cultural landscape, where family dynamics evolve, and housing solutions must be equally adaptable.

The project not only represents an architectural endeavor but also embodies an idea—a vision for a harmonious coexistence among people, their environment, and their heritage. By weaving together modern design with traditional practices, it creates a narrative of connectivity and resilience.

For readers interested in exploring the intricate details of this architectural project further, it is worthwhile to review the architectural plans, sections, designs, and innovative ideas that bring this vision to life. These documents provide a comprehensive view of how functionality meets aesthetic sensibility in this well-conceived architectural proposal.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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