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Sustainable Living with Compressed Bricks and Terracotta Facades Enveloped in Green Roofs

Authors:
Shah Noor Amir Saeed, Ahmed Azad Rashid Kobi, Anton Melnikov, Austin Joseph Bijom Chilampil Joy Bijom
Sustainable Living with Compressed Bricks and Terracotta Facades Enveloped in Green Roofs

Project in-detail

Crafted from compressed bricks and complemented by terracotta facades, this adaptable living environment integrates green roofs and natural ventilation, designed to foster community engagement and promote sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with compressed bricks for enhanced thermal performance.
02
Incorporates solar panels to achieve energy self-sufficiency.
03
Features green roofs that promote local biodiversity.
04
Utilizes modular design for flexible living arrangements.
05
Connects units through cantilevered walkways for improved accessibility.
The Nomads' Nest is a contemporary architectural project that reflects a balance between sustainable design and modular living. Its conceptual framework is grounded in the idea of adaptability, allowing spaces to transform based on user requirements. This project features a collection of interlinked units that create a harmonious connection between inhabitants and their environment. By utilizing careful spatial organization and advanced material selection, the design aims to foster community engagement while minimizing environmental impact.

The Nomads' Nest serves as a flexible living environment designed for families and individuals who value both functionality and connection to nature. Each module encompasses essential living areas, including social spaces, private rooms, and communal gardens. The overall layout promotes effective natural ventilation and incorporates green roofs to enhance biodiversity and mitigate urban heat effects. This arrangement underscores a user-centric approach, where the architecture supports a sustainable lifestyle.

Modular Flexibility as a Design Approach

One of the hallmark features of the Nomads' Nest is its modular flexibility, allowing for varying configurations to suit different living situations. Each unit can expand or contract to accommodate changing family dynamics or individual preferences. This adaptability stands in stark contrast to traditional housing, which often restricts inhabitants to fixed floor plans. The interconnected pathways further enhance this flexibility, enabling easy movement between units while encouraging social interactions among residents.

Sustainable Materiality and Ecological Integration

Material selection is central to the design philosophy of the Nomads' Nest. The project employs compressed bricks for their thermal efficiency and durability, alongside steel, which provides structural integrity. Additionally, terracotta is utilized for the facades, introducing a natural aesthetic. The incorporation of solar panels indicates a commitment to energy independence, allowing residents to generate power on-site. Furthermore, the strategic layout includes natural ventilation features to reduce reliance on mechanical systems, reflecting a holistic approach to ecological sustainability.

The Nomads' Nest exemplifies a modern architectural response to the evolving needs of urban dwellers, offering a blueprint for future housing that prioritizes community, flexibility, and sustainability. For an in-depth understanding of this project, including architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, exploration of the project presentation is encouraged.
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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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