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Rammed Earth Monolith With Fluid Water Interaction

Authors:
Maurício Addor neto, Bruno Futema, Gabriel Da silva martinez ribeiro, Breno Quaioti
Rammed Earth Monolith With Fluid Water Interaction

Project in-detail

A rammed earth monolith integrates flowing water elements, creating a tactile connection with the landscape while serving as a contemplative space for visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls are constructed in quasi-rectilinear layers, enhancing visual depth.
02
Water flows from the monolith base, connecting the structure to the surrounding landscape.
03
The design encourages exploration, lacking a defined entry point for intuitive navigation.
04
Layered construction reflects geological formations, emphasizing site-specific characteristics.
05
The monolith's form invites reflection on the relationship between natural elements and human intervention.

"FROM TERRA TO TERRA" is an exploration of rammed earth, situated in a landscape that reflects its geological environment. The design functions as both a solid structure and a journey for users, encouraging them to engage with the natural elements that shape it. The concept revolves around the processes that influence its form, highlighting the relationship between human-made structures and the natural world.

Materiality and Process

Rammed earth serves as the main building material, allowing for a layered construction method that echoes geological formations. This approach not only provides strength to the structure but also enhances its visual narrative, showcasing colors and textures that resonate with the surrounding landscape. The walls are formed in a way that reflects the careful craftsmanship involved in shaping this material, creating a distinct sense of place.

Water Interaction

A critical design feature is the integration of water, which flows from the base of the monolith, creating a connection between the earth and the building. This feature transforms the ground into mud, establishing an engaging tactile experience for those moving toward and into the structure. By incorporating water, the design highlights the natural processes at play, bringing together elements of the environment and architecture in a meaningful way.

Spatial Configuration

The layout of the monolith invites exploration, blurring traditional boundaries of space. The arrangement of elements creates a narrative that does not have a clear beginning or end. This invites users to interact with the space intuitively, fostering a dialogue between the interior and exterior environments. Such a configuration promotes a rich architectural experience that encourages movement and discovery.

Sensory Experience

The combination of materials, light, and natural elements forms a sensory environment as users navigate through the structure. The textured surfaces of rammed earth, along with the presence of flowing water, create an atmosphere that enhances awareness of both the physical space and the landscape. This integration results in an experience that goes beyond mere functionality, promoting a deep understanding of the connection between architecture and the earth.

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

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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

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