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Textured Earth Panels and Natural Light in a Contemporary Courtyard Residence

Authors:
Ricardo Sandoval, Jordan David Lutren, Gabriel Ho Lam Wong
Textured Earth Panels and Natural Light in a Contemporary Courtyard Residence

Project in-detail

Utilizing textured earth panels and integrative natural lighting, the residence forms a cohesive courtyard that enhances both communal interaction and individual comfort within a sustainable living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced earth panels to enhance thermal efficiency and sustainability.
02
Features a central courtyard that promotes natural ventilation and light throughout the home.
03
Incorporates modular construction techniques for future adaptability and expansion.
04
Design includes textured facades that create dynamic light patterns indoors.
05
Integrates architectural elements reflecting local cultural heritage and craftsmanship.

## Project Overview

The Woven Villa is a contemporary residential design located in an area that values local customs and traditions. The intent of the project is to combine modern architectural practices with traditional construction techniques, ensuring a respectful engagement with the cultural context. By utilizing local materials and implementing sustainable methodologies, the design reflects its environment while addressing the needs of its inhabitants.

### Spatial Configuration and User Experience

This project emphasizes adaptive living spaces that cater to both environmental conditions and human activities. The layout centers around a central courtyard, which fosters natural ventilation and light, enhancing connectivity among the primary living areas. The arrangement of spaces promotes functionality, with designated areas for family gatherings, private retreats, and workspaces. Large windows in the living areas provide views of the courtyard, encouraging interaction and a sense of community, while upper-level arched openings create dynamic interior lighting.

### Materiality and Sustainable Practices

A focus on local materials informs the construction of the villa, ensuring both sustainability and alignment with traditional building methods. Walls are composed of local earth panels, which integrate durability with eco-friendly practices. Modular and formulated earth panels serve as the structural framework and roofing, respectively. Additionally, fenestrations made of glass optimize natural light while maintaining occupant privacy. The architectural design strategically reduces heat gain through effective window placement and utilizes earth as a natural insulator, contributing to an energy-efficient environment. These material choices reflect a commitment to both aesthetic appeal and environmental responsibility.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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