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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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Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

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Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

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