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Curved Walls of Rammed Earth Framing Nature's Views

Authors:
John William Henry, Mukhtar Rezaei, Elise Jordan
Curved Walls of Rammed Earth Framing Nature's Views
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The rammed earth structure's curved walls create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow while framing views of the surrounding landscape, providing a reflective space for community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls create a natural thermal mass for energy efficiency.
02
Curved design enhances acoustic comfort within the pavilion.
03
Two openings act as viewsheds, connecting users to the surrounding landscape.
04
The dome shape promotes a unique interplay of light and shadow throughout the day.
05
Constructed to encourage community interaction and personal reflection.

The Earth Egg is a pavilion designed to reflect the principles of Earth Architecture, which focuses on the use of earth as a central material. Located within a natural setting, it provides a space for people to reflect and interact. The design aims to create a strong connection with nature by incorporating sustainable building materials, particularly rammed earth, into the surrounding landscape.

Materiality and Structure

Rammed earth serves as the main material, emphasizing sustainability and its compatibility with the local environment. The pavilion features thick, curved walls that offer stability and shelter. This choice of material not only creates visual interest but also enhances the building's acoustic and thermal properties, making it suitable for various weather conditions.

Spatial Experience

Two carefully placed openings in the curved walls act as frames for the views outside. These apertures resemble natural peepholes, inviting visitors to see and engage with the landscape surrounding the pavilion. The design encourages exploration by enhancing the experience of moving between the interior and exterior spaces, creating a sense of connection with nature.

Light and Shadow

The dome-shaped structure allows light to filter in, creating changing patterns of light and shadow throughout the day. Visitors experience the gradual shifts in natural light, which fosters contemplation and a deeper connection to the surroundings. This manipulation of light enhances the atmosphere inside the pavilion, making it a space where people can reflect and engage with their environment.

User Engagement

The design promotes interaction, offering a welcoming atmosphere for visitors to gather and reflect. The curved walls provide a feeling of enclosure while maintaining an openness to the outside. This balance creates a communal space that encourages both personal reflection and social interaction.

As users move through the pavilion, they encounter the rhythmic contours of the walls, which invite them to engage with the space physically. This tactile experience highlights the transition from the comfort of the interior to the natural elements surrounding the structure.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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