Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Layers of Rammed Earth Forming a Monolithic Connection to Water and Landscape

Authors:
Maurício Addor neto, Bruno Futema, Gabriel Da silva martinez ribeiro, Breno Quaioti
Layers of Rammed Earth Forming a Monolithic Connection to Water and Landscape

Project in-detail

Rammed earth layers create a monolithic structure that interacts with flowing water and the surrounding landscape, serving as an engaging space for visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth layers are used to create structural depth and texture.
02
Water flows from the base, enhancing the interaction with the landscape.
03
The monolithic design fosters a continuous dialogue between natural and built elements.
04
The project highlights the ambiguity of natural versus artificial through its materials.
05
Visitors are invited to engage with the sensory experience of earth and water.

The design emphasizes the use of rammed earth as a primary material and integrates closely with its natural surroundings. The structure features a large monolith composed of three walls, showcasing the characteristics of earth while creating a strong visual presence. The approach highlights not only the material itself but also its connection to the landscape, inviting interaction with the environment.

Material Exploration

At the core of this design is the layering technique applied to rammed earth. This method allows for the variations in color, texture, and density to be visible. Each layer presents a unique aspect of the material, fostering a relationship between the structure and its geological context. The careful arrangement of these layers contributes to both aesthetics and stability, creating a thoughtful response to the site.



Water Interaction

Water is an important element in the design, flowing from the base of the monolith. This movement of water transforms the ground around it, mixing with earth to create a blend of mud. The interaction encourages people to engage with the space more intimately. As visitors approach the structure, the combined sensory experience of earth and water invites them to explore the relationship between natural and constructed elements.



Conceptual Ambiguity

The project prompts reflection on the boundaries between natural and artificial components. By highlighting this ambiguity, it raises questions about how raw materials are transformed into forms we can inhabit. The layering not only emphasizes the physical qualities of the materials involved but also suggests a narrative of time and change that resonates with the environment.



The monolith stands as a clear representation of the connection between earth and water. Its design goes beyond aesthetics, encouraging visitors to engage with the landscape and experience the natural elements in a meaningful way. The structure becomes an integral part of the environment, promoting a relationship that is both dynamic and enduring.

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