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Spiral Form Created With Rammed Earth and Wood for a Community Hub

Authors:
Stefani fariawati Hasan, Muhammad agus ali Ridho, Gregorio eben Heizer, Rio Aditya
Spiral Form Created With Rammed Earth and Wood for a Community Hub

Project in-detail

Crafted from rammed earth and wood, the design's spiral form facilitates natural ventilation and enhances community interactions, serving as a versatile hub for various shared activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with locally sourced rammed earth, enhancing sustainability and thermal performance.
02
The design incorporates a spiral form, promoting natural ventilation and energy efficiency.
03
Flexible interior spaces allow for diverse community activities and gatherings.
04
Wood elements are used for removable partitions, offering adaptability in function.
05
Sun shading devices optimize comfort while maintaining visual connections to the landscape.
The "Helices" community home is a thoughtfully designed architectural project located in Portugal. It serves as a multifunctional space aimed at fostering community engagement while promoting sustainability and ecological awareness. The design draws inspiration from the local coastal environment, specifically the spiral formations of sea shells, which influence both the form and function of the building.

The project encompasses various essential components, including a spacious multi-functional hall, kitchen and dining areas, and adaptable spaces for various activities. The entrance is strategically designed to enhance accessibility and facilitate interaction among community members. Materials used in the construction include rammed earth, wood, and glass, all chosen for their sustainability and local availability, thereby minimizing the environmental impact typical of construction practices.

Unique Design Approaches Emphasizing Nature

What sets the "Helices" project apart is its responsive design that reflects a deep connection with nature. The spiral form not only serves an aesthetic purpose but also maximizes functionality by creating sheltered outdoor spaces that promote social gatherings. Passive design features are integrated throughout, ensuring energy efficiency and natural ventilation. The incorporation of sun shades enhances thermal comfort while maintaining visual connections with the surrounding landscape.

Local materials play a key role in reinforcing the relationship between architecture and its environment. The use of rammed earth for walls and flooring provides excellent thermal performance while aligning with traditional construction methods in the region. This choice speaks to both the cultural heritage and the ecological ethos embedded within the project.

Functionality and Community Focus

The internal layout reflects the project’s multifunctional goals. The central multi-functional hall can accommodate diverse activities, from communal meals to workshops, enhancing community interaction. The design flexibility allows spaces to be reconfigured as needed, catering to a variety of group sizes and activities. Additionally, the use of removable partitions made from wood offers versatility, allowing areas to be easily adjusted for different uses.

In summary, the "Helices" community home exemplifies contemporary architecture that prioritizes connection to nature, functionality, and sustainability. The integration of local materials and consideration for environmental factors demonstrate a commitment to responsible design. For a more detailed understanding of the architectural plans, sections, and overall design ideas stemming from this project, further exploration of the presentation is encouraged. Explore the architectural designs to gain deeper insights into the innovative elements of the "Helices" project.
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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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