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Sustainable Shelter Crafted From Local Adobe and Straw For Flood Resilience

Author:
Bernadett Juhász
Sustainable Shelter Crafted From Local Adobe and Straw For Flood Resilience

Project in-detail

Crafted from adobe and straw to enhance flood resilience, this sustainable shelter emphasizes thermal regulation and natural ventilation while providing functional living space in a challenging climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted entirely from locally sourced adobe and straw, enhancing sustainability.
02
Features a sloped roof designed to facilitate effective rainwater drainage.
03
Utilizes natural ventilation strategies to maintain indoor air quality and comfort.
04
Designed to withstand flooding, reflecting proactive environmental resilience.
05
Incorporates earthy tones to seamlessly blend with the surrounding landscape.
This architectural project presents a contemporary adobe house situated in Hungary, designed with a focus on sustainability and environmental resilience. The structure utilizes traditional adobe building techniques while integrating modern design principles. It represents a solution to housing challenges exacerbated by natural disasters, specifically flooding. The project prioritizes minimal environmental impact through the selection of local materials and energy-efficient design practices, providing a functional living space that harmonizes with the natural landscape.

Sustainable Materiality and Design Approach

The primary material of the adobe house is adobe brick, composed of loam, straw, and adobe plaster. This combination offers beneficial properties such as thermal regulation and moisture management, essential for areas prone to extreme weather conditions. The use of local and renewable materials reduces the carbon footprint of the project and supports the local economy. Additionally, recycled fabrics are employed for structural reinforcement, merging environmental responsibility with modern techniques.

One distinctive feature of this design is its sloped roof, which facilitates water drainage and prevents accumulation, addressing the challenges posed by flooding. This design element is both practical and indicative of an integrated approach to environmental challenges. The spatial organization of the interior is streamlined, promoting natural light and air circulation while minimizing reliance on artificial lighting and mechanical heating or cooling systems.

Efficient Planning and Architectural Features

The architectural layout is efficiently planned as a single-story structure, focused on optimizing living comfort by controlling humidity and temperature. Window placement is thoughtfully designed to maximize daylight while maintaining privacy and providing views of the surrounding nature. This approach enhances indoor air quality and reduces energy consumption.

The façade consists of earthy tones, blending the house into the natural surroundings. The simplicity in design reflects a minimalist philosophy that prioritizes functionality and connection to the environment. The combination of adobe and wood in finishings adds warmth and invites a tactile experience, furthering the project’s alignment with its ecological ethos.

For a deeper understanding of the architectural framework, plans, sections, and specific design details are available for review. This project exemplifies a pragmatic approach to modern architecture, illustrating how traditional materials can fulfill contemporary needs. Readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation to uncover further insights into the architectural plans and ideas that define this innovative adobe house.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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