Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Embracing Erosion Through Rammed Earth and Cultural Narratives

Authors:
Alessandro Pennesi, Salvatore Ponzo, Fabio Romenici, Giuseppe Ponzo
Embracing Erosion Through Rammed Earth and Cultural Narratives

Project in-detail

Constructed using rammed earth techniques and inspired by the Great Mother symbolism, the installation invites exploration of natural erosion while serving as a cultural landmark in harmony with its environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Each portal showcases a different historical construction technique, highlighting the evolution of earth-building methods.
02
The installation intentionally allows for natural erosion, creating a dynamic interaction between structure and environment over time.
03
Cultural symbolism is central, with the design reflecting themes related to the Great Mother in various civilizations.
04
Materials consist solely of locally sourced earth, enhancing the project's ecological credibility and connection to the site.
05
The absence of maintenance invites continuous change, encouraging visitors to engage with the evolving landscape.

Tellure represents a unique blend of architecture and land art, designed to foster a relationship between human structures and the natural surroundings. The project unfolds with six distinct portals, constructed using various raw earth techniques. Each portal reflects historical building methods, offering a contemporary perspective on the evolution of architecture. Set within the landscape, Tellure serves both as a landmark and a thoughtful exploration of humanity's connection to nature and time.

Architectural Concept

The design centers around themes of permanence and change. Each portal stands as a solid figure, compelling visitors to think about how it was built and its form. The structure showcases a range of construction techniques, progressing from simple to complex forms. This hierarchy emphasizes the importance of earth, which becomes a central focus of the installation.



Material and Technique

Key materials used in the project include rammed earth, cob, wattle and daub, earth bags, and 3D printed elements. These choices have been made to highlight both their historical importance and ecological significance. By using these materials and techniques, the project creates a connection between the past and present, linking ancient ways of building with modern architectural thought.



Natural Erosion

The approach taken allows for no maintenance once the installation is complete. This is intentional, as natural erosion plays a vital role in the project's evolution. Over time, the portals will change, revealing only their framework as they wear away due to weather conditions. This aspect encourages reflection on how buildings and nature interact. It emphasizes the idea that architectural forms are not permanent and must adapt to their environment.



Cultural Symbolism

Cultural narratives are also present in Tellure, particularly through the concept of the Great Mother, a figure found in many cultures. This element highlights cycles of birth, growth, maturity, decline, and renewal. The design thoughtfully weaves this symbolism into the experience, emphasizing the bonds between all living things and the land they inhabit.



Intricate details within the design invite exploration. The differing textures and forms of the portals respond to sunlight and weather. This interaction enhances the experience of the installation, creating a space that evolves alongside its surroundings.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy