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Sustainable Living in Melaleuca and AAC: A Solution for Rural Agriculture

Author:
Hong Quan Nguyen
Sustainable Living in Melaleuca and AAC: A Solution for Rural Agriculture

Project in-detail

Constructed with locally sourced Melaleuca wood and AAC blocks, this residence integrates renewable energy systems and modular design to support sustainable agriculture for rural families in the Mekong Delta.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily from Melaleuca wood, emphasizing local material usage.
02
Incorporates a rainwater harvesting system for sustainable water management.
03
Each unit features modular design to accommodate growing families over time.
04
Solar panels provide energy independence and reduce reliance on external sources.
05
Orientated to maximize views of adjacent rice fields, enhancing the living experience.

## Project Overview

The Rice Field House is a conceptual architectural design aimed at supporting future farmers in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam, with an anticipated completion date set for 2045. This initiative responds to the country's transition from a developing to a developed nation while prioritizing its essential agricultural framework. The design seeks to create a sustainable living environment that integrates contemporary standards of living with traditional farming practices to enhance the quality of life for its residents.

### Design Layout and Spatial Arrangement

The residence features interconnected housing units alongside communal spaces, fostering neighborly interaction while preserving individual privacy. Each unit is strategically oriented to maximize views of the surrounding rice fields and to facilitate natural light penetration, promoting a harmonious relationship between the inhabitants and the local landscape. This layout encourages a strong sense of community while also addressing personal living needs.

### Material Selection and Environmental Strategies

The construction primarily utilizes locally sourced materials, such as Melaleuca wood, which is valued for its sustainability and suitability for the region. Additionally, AAC (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) blocks serve as the thermal core, offering insulation and resilience with minimal environmental impact. The project incorporates recycled panels and terracotta roofing to align with green building practices.

Renewable energy systems, including solar panels installed on rooftops, provide energy independence and address local energy deficits. A rainwater harvesting system captures and stores rainwater for household use and agricultural irrigation, supporting both hygiene and agricultural needs. This dual system reflects the commitment to self-sufficiency and resource conservation integral to the design’s philosophy.

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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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