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Straw-Bale Walls Create Thermal Mass For Sustainable Coastal Living

Author:
Anna Sophia Knoell
Straw-Bale Walls Create Thermal Mass For Sustainable Coastal Living

Project in-detail

Employing straw-bale construction to achieve superior thermal mass, this residence integrates seamlessly with its coastal landscape while providing a sustainable living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced straw-bale construction for enhanced insulation and sustainability.
02
Features a bent A-frame design that integrates with the natural slope of the site.
03
Incorporates large windows to maximize natural light and views of the coastal landscape.
04
Employs modular design elements for flexible use of interior spaces.
05
Utilizes regional materials such as wood and metal to reduce environmental impact.

## Architectural Analysis Report: Mass Straw House

### Overview
The Mass Straw House is located in a rocky coastal region characterized by its northern climate. This dwelling is designed in response to pressing environmental issues, utilizing straw as a primary construction material to create a sustainable living space. The project emphasizes the value of natural materials, incorporating them in a manner that aligns with the ecological context of the site and promotes sustainable habitation practices.

### Spatial Strategy
The architectural configuration leverages the natural topography of the terraced landscape, allowing the structure to blend into its surroundings. A linear sequence of interconnected volumes flows with the contours of the land, creating a relationship between the built environment and the landscape. The interior layout is versatile, designed with distinct living spaces that are oriented towards strategic views and natural light. This design approach not only minimizes visual disruption but also enhances structural stability through its integration with the site.

### Materiality and Sustainability
Straw bales constitute the primary material for the building’s thick walls, providing superior thermal insulation and acoustic benefits while emphasizing a low ecological footprint. The use of locally sourced materials reflects a commitment to sustainability and resource efficiency. Complementary materials include exposed wood beams, which lend a raw aesthetic and contribute to the structure's organic quality, and corrugated metal sheets for the roof, which offer weather resistance and contrast with the softness of the straw. Additionally, cast concrete elements are incorporated for structural support, creating a tactile experience against the softer materials. The project prioritizes lifecycle considerations, advocating for a dynamic approach to material use, from construction to potential future repurposing, thereby fostering a regenerative relationship with the environment.

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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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