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Sustainable Housing Solution Featuring Earth-Clay Panels and Community-Centric Design in an Earthquake-Prone Region

Authors:
Emre Taşçi, Ebru şahi̇n Taşçi, Ezel Yağmur çebi Okumuş, Cemil Hamdi Okumuş
Sustainable Housing Solution Featuring Earth-Clay Panels and Community-Centric Design in an Earthquake-Prone Region

Project in-detail

In a bid to enhance community resilience in earthquake-affected Antakya, this housing solution seamlessly integrates earth-clay panels, solar energy systems, and adaptable living spaces, emphasizing sustainability and social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The housing units utilize earth-clay panels for thermal insulation, promoting energy efficiency while reflecting local building traditions.
02
Each unit includes a rainwater harvesting system, ensuring self-sufficiency and sustainable water management for residents.
03
Flexible movable panels within the living spaces allow occupants to easily reconfigure areas for various communal or private functions.
04
The design features communal courtyards, fostering social interaction and community engagement among residents post-disaster.
05
Prefabricated components are employed for rapid construction and assembly, significantly reducing on-site build time in a recovery context.
The Quake House project represents a thoughtful solution to the challenges faced by communities in earthquake-prone regions, particularly in the historic city of Antakya, Turkey. This architectural design focuses on creating adaptable and sustainable micro living units that cater to the immediate needs of survivors post-disaster while fostering a sense of community and cultural continuity. The project embodies the principles of resilience and functionality, integrating modern architectural practices with the rich heritage of the area.

At its core, the Quake House serves multiple essential functions: it provides emergency housing, promotes social interaction, and enhances urban vitality. The spatial configuration includes two primary levels for each unit, designed to maximize natural light and ventilation. With shared courtyard spaces placed strategically within the layout, residents are encouraged to engage with one another, creating informal gathering spaces that strengthen community bonds.

The design uniquely employs a combination of earth-clay panels, reinforced concrete, and flexible movable panels to create structures that are not only durable but also allow for customization to suit the diverse needs of residents. The selection of materials plays a crucial role in the project. The earth-clay panels, known for their thermal insulation properties, contribute to energy efficiency, while reinforced concrete ensures stability against seismic forces. Additionally, the incorporation of solar panels for energy generation and rainwater harvesting systems for water collection underscores a commitment to sustainability and self-sufficiency.

A notable aspect of the Quake House project is its emphasis on off-site construction methods, allowing for rapid assembly and minimizing disruptions during the rebuilding phase. This process not only enhances efficiency but also allows for a more controlled construction environment, which is especially pertinent in disaster-stricken areas. By utilizing prefabricated components, the project can expedite shelter delivery to those in need while maintaining high-quality standards.

The design process reflects a deep understanding of the cultural context of Antakya, where traditional architectural elements inform the modern approach. The courtyards in the Quake House echo historical housing styles, creating a sense of familiarity for residents while accommodating contemporary living standards. This blending of old and new fosters a narrative of resilience that honors the past while looking toward the future.

A significant aspect of the project is its attention to community engagement. By designing spaces that promote social gatherings and communal activities, the Quake House cultivates shared ownership among residents. This approach not only mitigates feelings of isolation in times of crisis but also encourages a collaborative spirit necessary for community recovery.

Further exploration into the detailed architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas behind the Quake House will provide deeper insights into its innovative spatial configurations and material choices. The project stands as a testament to the potential of architecture to address pressing humanitarian needs, and interested readers are encouraged to delve into the presentation of this project to fully appreciate the nuanced considerations that have shaped its development.
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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
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