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Rammed Earth and Glass Pavilion Embracing Natural Landscapes with Biophilic Design Elements

Authors:
Madalyn Melton, Youssef Elmergawy
Rammed Earth and Glass Pavilion Embracing Natural Landscapes with Biophilic Design Elements

Project in-detail

With a harmonious blend of rammed earth construction and expansive glass façades, this architectural endeavor creates a unique dialogue with its natural setting, providing a serene environment for community gatherings and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
The structure incorporates a vegetated roof that enhances insulation and promotes biodiversity.
02
Extensive use of glass creates unobstructed views and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.
03
Rammed earth walls serve both structural and aesthetic functions, blending with the natural environment.
04
Innovative circular planning allows for multiple viewing corridors throughout the interior.
05
Flexible multi-functional spaces adapt to various activities, fostering community engagement.
This project presents a unique architectural design that is both a response to its geographical context and a reflection of contemporary design philosophies. Set within a landscape characterized by natural beauty, the building integrates harmoniously with its surroundings, achieving a dialogue between the constructed and the natural environment. The architecture serves multiple functions, catering to diverse user needs while providing a setting that fosters interaction with the landscape.

The essence of this project lies in its ability to create a seamless transition between inside and outside. By employing a design that emphasizes transparency, the extensive glass walls invite natural light into the spaces, creating bright and welcoming interiors while allowing unobstructed views of the captivating scenery outside. This approach not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also promotes a sense of connection with the landscape, inviting visitors to appreciate the natural beauty surrounding the building.

The project is strategically organized to guide visitor movement and experience. Starting from a carefully designed entrance, users are gently ushered into the interior spaces, where a primary observation room captures views of the nearby hills and water bodies. This central space serves as the heart of the building, designed to encourage social interaction while providing a serene environment for contemplation. The layout is complemented by multi-functional spaces, allowing for flexible uses that can adapt to various activities while maintaining an intimate atmosphere.

A significant aspect of the design is the careful selection of materials that reflect both aesthetic values and sustainability objectives. The use of concrete ensures structural integrity, while white oak flooring adds warmth, creating an inviting ambiance within. Steel elements are utilized strategically, balancing lightweight construction with robustness. Notably, the inclusion of a vegetated roof enhances insulation and promotes biodiversity, further connecting the architecture with its location.

Distinctive design approaches are evident throughout the project, particularly in the adaptive relationship with the terrain. By working with the natural topography, the structure emerges organically from the ground, fostering a sense of rootedness. The expansive glass panels not only frame views but also create a varied experience depending on the time of day and changing weather conditions, constantly recontextualizing the relationship between the building and its environment.

Additionally, the building incorporates several panoramic viewpoints, designed specifically to engage visitors with their surroundings. These vantage points create opportunities for reflection and appreciation, blending the act of architecture with the experience of nature. This thoughtful integration of landscape and built form underscores the intent of the project to honor its geographical context while offering spaces that enrich human interaction and well-being.

In conclusion, this architectural design project presents a compelling exploration of how built environments can coexist with nature. By fostering a mindful engagement with the landscape through transparency, materiality, and spatial organization, it serves as a model for contemporary architecture that values both functionality and aesthetic resonance. For those interested in understanding the intricacies of this project, exploring detailed architectural plans, sections, and design concepts will provide further insights into the thoughtful execution of this architectural idea.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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