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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.

## Overview

Located in a semi-urban or natural setting, the Nomads' Nest project integrates sustainable architectural principles with a focus on modern living and adaptability. Inspired by the construction of a bird’s nest, the design fosters a relationship between built environments and their natural surroundings. Amid a contemporary architectural discourse, this project emphasizes the importance of flexibility in housing, tailoring to the changing needs of its occupants while promoting ecological responsibility.

## Spatial Configuration and User Interaction

The layout features a series of modular units that facilitate a dynamic living experience. Designated areas include comfort modules for social interaction, private sleeping quarters, and green rooftops that bridge indoor and outdoor living. These elements are interconnected through cantilevered pathways, enhancing circulation and ensuring effective natural ventilation. This organization supports not only individual comfort but also encourages community engagement through shared, interactive spaces.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The material selection is central to the project's sustainability ethos, incorporating a range of eco-friendly components. Compressed bricks provide thermal mass and insulation, while a robust steel framework supports the structure's integrity. Terracotta facades offer both aesthetic warmth and natural benefits. The integration of solar panels enhances energy independence, and features that promote natural ventilation reduce reliance on mechanical systems. This careful consideration of materials contributes to the ecological efficiency and overall sustainability of the habitat.

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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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