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Straw Bales and Wood Elevation in a Circular Living Space

Author:
Félix Roudier
Straw Bales and Wood Elevation in a Circular Living Space

Project in-detail

Built using circular layouts and materials like straw bales and wood, the residence optimizes energy efficiency and water management while offering a balanced living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a circular layout to enhance spatial flow and interaction with nature.
02
Incorporates a phyto-purification system for efficient water management.
03
Elevated design minimizes soil moisture impact and integrates with the landscape.
04
Features large sliding doors for adaptable indoor-outdoor living.
05
Constructed with locally sourced materials to reduce carbon footprint.

The MicRotunda project is a modern response to the growing challenges of global warming and housing accessibility. Designed as a residence, it features a layout that separates private areas from communal spaces. This arrangement encourages a connected living experience while maintaining individual privacy. The overall design takes advantage of its circular form, which allows for easy interaction between indoor and outdoor settings.

Design Concept

The layout consists of two main sections: a night area for sleeping, showers, and restrooms, and a day area that includes a living room that opens directly to an outdoor terrace. This division supports both personal retreat and social engagement within the home. Each space is designed to flow into the next, promoting a lifestyle that balances seclusion with community.

Material Utilization

The project emphasizes sustainable practices through the choice of materials. Wood is used for structural support, while standard straw bales serve as insulation. These materials are not only environmentally friendly but also contribute to the overall efficiency of the building. By using locally sourced kindling, the design reduces transportation emissions and supports the local economy.

Construction Approach

Construction techniques in the MicRotunda are based on dry construction methods. This approach allows for quick and efficient building, using unprocessed materials. The house is raised above the ground to address potential moisture issues and to enhance its connection with the outdoor landscape. This simple elevation serves both a practical and aesthetic purpose, blending the structure more naturally with its surroundings.

Bioclimatic Systems

The design incorporates several systems to enhance energy independence. A rainwater collection system is in place to provide water for the home. A phyto-purification system aids in managing waste, promoting environmental sustainability. The chimney and roof capture heat and use it for electricity generation, while elements made from raw earth help regulate the temperature. These features contribute to a comfortable living space that maintains energy efficiency.

At the heart of the home, a central fireplace acts as a gathering point, offering warmth and comfort. It connects the two living areas, encouraging both family interaction and relaxation in the shared space.

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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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