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Stabilized Earth Panels and Community Engagement in Urban Void Transformation

Authors:
Arch. peter Kasozi, Gilbert Kafuuma, George martin Orono
Stabilized Earth Panels and Community Engagement in Urban Void Transformation

Project in-detail

Utilizing stabilized earth panels to transform urban voids, the design integrates essential amenities and community spaces, fostering resilience and accessibility in a rapidly urbanizing environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes stabilizing earth panels for eco-friendly construction.
02
Integrates essential amenities within walkable proximity for community access.
03
Focuses on transforming urban voids into functional living spaces.
04
Incorporates flexible areas for urban farming and alternative medicine.
05
Designed to support multi-generational living with adaptable spaces.

The design addresses urban conditions found in the global South, focusing on the revitalization of urban voids and adapting to planned transit sub-urbias and informal fringes. The overall concept revolves around transforming neglected areas into usable environments that can accommodate an increasing number of rural migrants. By prioritizing essential services and walkable amenities, the design fosters a sense of community and sustainability, ensuring that residents have access to their daily needs.

Urban Voids

Inner-city urban voids play a crucial role in this design. These spaces often remain empty due to both formal and informal development patterns. The transformation of these voids into lively gathering spots creates functional habitats crucial for local populations. The design interventions aim to enhance social interaction and encourage community development, addressing urban challenges through thoughtful planning and architecture.

Planned Transit Sub-Urbias

As land prices in urban centers rise, new poly-centres linked by transit routes become vital. The design responds to the demand for affordable housing and mobility by creating areas that facilitate easy movement and access to services. This approach greatly benefits the younger population looking for modern living environments. By enhancing connectivity throughout the urban layout, the project contributes positively to the overall urban ecosystem and livability.

Informal Urban Fringes

Informal urban fringes are another important focus. These unregulated zones represent a reality for many, and the design recognizes their significance in the larger urban context. It integrates infrastructure that supports marginalized communities, offering essential services and resources. By focusing on inclusivity, the design aims to improve the quality of life for residents in these areas. This responsiveness to existing challenges emphasizes the project's practical benefits.

Materials and Construction

Material choices play a key role in the execution of the design. Stabilized earth rendered panels and in-situ stabilized earth mix rendering on metal lathe layers reflect a commitment to sustainable building techniques. The architecture utilizes anchoring systems made of 10mm diameter bolts that connect panels to timber frames. These elements ensure the structure is both robust and easy to assemble. The focus on low-carbon construction aligns the project with eco-friendly practices while maintaining durability and function.

The architectural layout encourages interaction between private and shared spaces while allowing flexibility for different uses. Urban farming and alternative medicine gardens are notable features that enhance community engagement with the surroundings. These elements turn the design into more than just a living space; they create a small ecosystem where residents can thrive.

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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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