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Twisted Entrances and Earth-Tuned Clay Create a Contemporary Family Residence

Author:
Orhan Oguz
Twisted Entrances and Earth-Tuned Clay Create a Contemporary Family Residence

Project in-detail

Employing twisted entrances and earth-tuned clay, the design facilitates a seamless blend of natural light and privacy, culminating in a contemporary residence tailored for family living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Twisted entrances create dynamic spatial flow and enhance social interaction.
02
Earth-tuned clay provides natural insulation while maintaining aesthetic continuity.
03
A central courtyard maximizes natural light and encourages ventilation throughout the home.
04
Mirrored gardens integrate landscaping with the structure, enhancing biodiversity.
05
3D-printed clay elements allow for precise detailing and reduced construction waste.

## Overview

Situated within an urban context, the Riad House project integrates traditional Moroccan architectural elements with contemporary design practices focused on sustainability. The residence emphasizes privacy, cultural heritage, and modern living, creating a harmonious environment that respects the historical significance of the region while meeting the demands of today’s lifestyle.

### Spatial Arrangement and User Interaction

The organization of the Riad House is deliberate, with distinct zones for public, semi-public, and private functions. The public space includes a basement area designed for recreational activities, social interactions, and essential functions such as the technical room and gym. The entrance features a garden that invites communal engagement. Semi-public spaces such as the patio promote a blend of privacy and openness, facilitating both social interactions and access to nature. Private areas occupy the upper floor, dedicating space for bedrooms and bathrooms to ensure serenity and personal retreat.

This spatial configuration supports a balanced living experience by encouraging family interactions while respecting individual needs for privacy. The central courtyard serves as a pivotal element, allowing natural light and airflow to permeate throughout the residence, enhancing both comfort and connectivity among inhabitants.

### Material Selection and Sustainability Features

The material palette of the Riad House reflects a commitment to sustainability and cultural relevance. Clay serves as a primary material, providing natural insulation and thermal mass, while loam enhances the aesthetic warmth and moisture-regulating properties of the interior spaces. The incorporation of 3D-printed elements streamlines construction and reduces waste, contributing to the overall sustainability of the project.

Large glass windows are strategically placed to maximize natural light while considering sun exposure, ensuring thermal comfort throughout the residence. Selective use of wood for structural and decorative elements adds warmth to the interior. Innovative sustainability features, including photovoltaic panels and an earth air tunnel for passive cooling, further underscore the project's goal of minimizing environmental impact while enhancing the quality of life for its occupants.

### Unique Architectural Elements

Notable features of the Riad House include alternating twisted entrances that enhance aesthetic appeal and foster social interactions. The design incorporates mirrored gardens, which reflect surrounding landscapes and create sensory connections to nature, contributing to well-being within an urban setting. The architecture also pays tribute to Moroccan traditions through intricate details and the predominant use of clay, bridging the past with contemporary design principles.

The design intent reflects a profound understanding of the local context, effectively merging functionality with cultural significance, thus creating a living space that is both enriching and responsive to the needs of its users.

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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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