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Thermal Insulation with Adobe Walls and Multifunctional Spaces for Community Resilience

Authors:
Napon Manopirom, Kerkpon Nilrapat, Tatiya Jearawattanasawadi
Thermal Insulation with Adobe Walls and Multifunctional Spaces for Community Resilience

Project in-detail

Utilizing adobe for thermal insulation and integrating multifunctional spaces, the design provides a communal hub that supports cultural expression and sustainable agriculture for displaced populations.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes adobe for enhanced thermal insulation, reflecting local building traditions.
02
Incorporates underground corridors to balance privacy with communal interaction.
03
Includes a multifunctional farming area to address food security and self-sufficiency.
04
Features a gallery space for showcasing displaced individuals' cultural expressions.
05
Emphasizes sustainable material choices, blending durability with environmental sensitivity.
The architectural project “Hole-Lomulous” is situated in the Kobe Refugee Camp in Ethiopia. This structure is designed as a multifunctional pavilion, aimed at addressing the needs of displaced individuals and fostering community engagement. The pavilion emphasizes the intersection of human vulnerabilities and cultural resilience, providing both a physical and emotional refuge for its users.

The overall design comprises several essential components, including a gallery, a stadium, and a farming area. Each space is purposefully constructed to fulfill specific roles within the community, facilitating artistic expression, social gatherings, and sustainable agriculture. The layout of the pavilion promotes interaction and accessibility, enhancing the sense of community among its users.

Unique Design Approaches

One notable aspect of this project is its use of adaptive space, allowing for transformations based on community needs. This fluidity is essential in a refugee context, where circumstances frequently change. The pavilion’s spatial organization encourages participation and utilization, fostering a sense of ownership among users.

Material selection is another critical factor that differentiates this design. The incorporation of adobe, concrete, and glass highlights a commitment to local materials and sustainable practices. Adobe walls provide thermal comfort and relate closely to regional architectural traditions, while concrete offers durability and structural support necessary for the pavilion's communal spaces. Glass elements enhance visibility and connection to the outside, creating an inviting atmosphere.

Engagement with the local environment is integral to the design. The farming component actively addresses food security issues, reinforcing the pavilion’s role within the community’s daily life. This multifunctional approach is not commonly seen in conventional architectural solutions for refugee contexts.

Architectural Elements

Key architectural elements of the pavilion include underground corridors that ensure privacy while facilitating circulation. The design respects the need for personal space in communal living situations, effectively balancing openness and seclusion.

Moreover, the pavilion’s aesthetic is characterized by simplicity and functionality, intentionally avoiding ornamental features to enhance usability. This practical approach ensures that the building serves its intended purpose without becoming a burden on resources, aligning with the overarching mission to leverage architecture as a tool for humanitarian support.

For a more comprehensive understanding of the architectural strategies employed in the “Hole-Lomulous” pavilion, readers are encouraged to explore architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural ideas related to the project. These details provide deeper insights into the thoughtful design processes behind this unique initiative. The project serves not only as a structure but also as a beacon of resilience, emphasizing the importance of community through architecture.
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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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