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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
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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.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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