A Rice Husk House
The house is located on a flat, square-shaped plot orientated along a north-south axis, near a pine forest and the beach. The single-story structure fits within a context of similarly scaled, detached homes in a low-density setting. The main entrance is situated on the northern side of the plot, and the house is laid out in an “L” shape, resulting from a clear separation between the social and private wings. This layout promotes natural cross ventilation and optimal solar exposure, eliminating the need for any air conditioning or mechanical ventilation systems. At the same time, the shape protects the private outdoor space from the prevailing northern and western winds.
For this project, the studio explored the potential of a prefabricated, three-dimensional modular system based on U-shaped reinforced concrete components, which are grouped according to the needs of the housing program.
To reduce construction time, site preparation, earthworks, excavation, and foundation work were carried out in parallel with the off-site production of the modular components. Additionally, the modules were delivered to the site with parts of the electrical and plumbing systems already pre-installed.
Each module leaves the factory containing the structurally reinforced concrete and an outer layer of cement-based composite incorporating rice husk. This material—an agro-industrial byproduct typically discarded or burned—is locally sourced from the rice fields of the Lower Mondego region and transformed here into a biobased construction material. This 23 cm-thick rice husk layer serves as both exterior cladding and insulation, offering a thermal resistance of 1.877 m²K/W, eliminating the need for EPS or XPS insulation. The project functions as a prototype that explores the potential of combining industrialised construction methods with the use of biobased materials. From the outside, the tectonic expression of the building is clearly legible—the joints are exposed, and the arrangement and support of each module are evident.
All of the building’s structural components were manufactured in a factory under highly controlled and monitored conditions and were assembled on-site within a few days. Beyond structure, these elements also define the essential architectural features of the building—they shape the façades, the floor, and the interior layout. This process not only accelerated construction but also improved control—reducing on-site concrete work, cutting waste, and limiting the project’s impact on the surrounding environment, both in noise and debris. In summary, both the process and the result hold equal importance in this project.
