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Subterranean Dwelling Crafted From Rammed Earth and Glass Flooring In Arid Landscapes

Authors:
Nasko Iordanov Balaktchiev, Cesar Adrian Salazar Alonso
Subterranean Dwelling Crafted From Rammed Earth and Glass Flooring In Arid Landscapes

Project in-detail

Nestled beneath the surface, the dwelling utilizes rammed earth and glass flooring to create a sustainable living environment that blends seamlessly with the desert landscape, optimizing energy efficiency and offering a novel approach to modern habitat in arid conditions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes rammed earth for superior thermal mass and energy efficiency.
02
Features a glass floor to connect interior spaces with the surrounding ecosystem.
03
Entry ramp channels rainwater into an integrated garden area for landscaping.
04
Incorporates a blackwater sewage system for sustainable waste management.
05
Designed to minimize visual impact on the desert landscape with a subterranean footprint.

### Overview

The Subterrarium is a residential design situated in the arid landscapes of the American Southwest. It serves as an exploration of sustainable living within a challenging climatic context, emphasizing integration with the natural environment. Designed as a micro-home that is partially buried, the structure utilizes a rammed earth framework to minimize ecological impact while addressing the local climate's demands. By being excavated four feet into the ground, the dwelling effectively maintains cooler temperatures during the extreme heat of summer and reduces its visibility in the landscape.

### Materiality and Structural Considerations

The design employs a range of materials that support both functionality and energy efficiency. Rammed earth serves as the primary structural element, providing significant thermal mass conducive to energy conservation. Corrugated steel roofing, a nod to the region's historical mining heritage, enhances durability. The inclusion of Kingspan Tek Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) ensures optimal insulation while being lightweight. Furthermore, the innovative glass flooring establishes a visual link with the ecosystem below without compromising privacy. Wood finishes provide warmth and complement the desert aesthetic.

### Environmental Strategies

The Subterrarium incorporates several sustainable strategies aimed at minimizing its environmental footprint. The unit layout, approximately 23 square meters (about 250 square feet), is optimized for natural light and ventilation through operable windows on the south and north facades. A series of deep eaves promote energy efficiency by providing shade while also addressing privacy needs. The design features a rainwater harvesting system that directs water into garden areas, creating micro-ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity. Additionally, an integrated blackwater sewage system processes waste sustainably, returning treated water to the environment.

This project exemplifies a commitment to ecological principles through its material choices and functional design, reflecting a harmonious coexistence with its surrounding landscape.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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