Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Spiraling Community Hub With Rammed Earth Walls and Gabion Retaining Features

Authors:
Paola dalila Martínez chávez, Jonathán noé Salazar anaya, Arely Montes hurtado
Spiraling Community Hub With Rammed Earth Walls and Gabion Retaining Features

Project in-detail

With its spiral form and innovative use of rammed earth combined with gabion features, this community-focused structure fosters interaction and engagement through thoughtfully designed multifunctional spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design features a distinctive spiral form that enhances sound acoustics within communal spaces.
02
Rammed earth walls provide excellent thermal mass, contributing to energy efficiency.
03
Gabion retaining walls seamlessly integrate the structure with the surrounding landscape.
04
Pivotable wood panels enable flexible space usage for various community activities.
05
The project incorporates dry toilet systems, promoting sustainable waste management practices.
The Eco Project represents a thoughtful blend of sustainable architecture and community-oriented design, situated in a natural environment that serves as both a backdrop and a part of its overall narrative. This project is fundamentally about creating spaces that facilitate interactions among community members while promoting an ethos of environmental responsibility. The design employs a spiral form, which symbolizes the concept of "echo," embracing a sense of continuity and fluidity that resonates throughout the project.

Functionally, the Eco Project is versatile, supporting a range of communal activities such as workshops, social gatherings, and educational programs. The spaces are designed to adapt, allowing for configurations that can transition easily from intimate meetings to larger events. This flexibility is a core element of its design philosophy, aimed to encourage collaboration and engagement within the community.

The architectural approach emphasizes sustainability, reflecting a deep commitment to minimizing the environment's impact. A selection of materials has been carefully chosen to align with these principles, including rammed earth for its thermal properties, wood for its structural integrity, concrete for durability, and gabion walls for stability and aesthetics. The incorporation of these materials not only provides functional benefits but also establishes a sense of connection to the local landscape, grounding the project within its geographical context.

Key details of the project are evident in its layout, which is designed to harness natural light and ventilation. The arrangement of spaces facilitates an organic flow, making it easy for users to navigate between the indoors and outdoors. Large windows and openings strategically positioned throughout the structure promote the interplay of light and shadow, creating inviting environments that change throughout the day. Additionally, outdoor gardens and pathways connect the building to its surrounding ecosystem, emphasizing an educational aspect regarding nature and sustainability.

A notable aspect of the design is its acoustic treatment, where the spiral form enhances sound propagation, allowing for an engaging auditory experience within communal spaces. This consideration for acoustics serves not only functional needs but also enriches the atmosphere during various activities, from music performances to group discussions.

Moreover, the project thoughtfully incorporates features such as dry toilets, which represent innovative solutions toward sustainable living, while also minimizing environmental impact through effective waste management. This demonstrates a broader understanding of how architectural designs can foster responsible habits within the community.

In summary, the Eco Project exemplifies a contemporary approach to architecture that prioritizes both ecological concerns and the needs of human interaction. It reflects a well-rounded understanding of how spaces can be designed to encourage community engagement and environmental awareness. For those interested in further understanding the nuances of this project, it is beneficial to explore the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs associated with it. These elements offer deeper insights into the innovative ideas and thoughtful strategies that have shaped this thoughtful project.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
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
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 16544 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