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Rammed Earth Pavilion Enhancing Spiritual Reflection Along a Historic Pilgrimage Route

Authors:
Tiziano Meniconi, Roberto Bologna, Giulio Hasanaj, Andrea Sichi
Rammed Earth Pavilion Enhancing Spiritual Reflection Along a Historic Pilgrimage Route

Project in-detail

Crafted entirely from rammed earth, the pavilion offers a contemplative space for pilgrims along St. Francesco's way, merging traditional materiality with contemporary form in a design that reflects the spiritual journey of its visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted entirely from locally sourced rammed earth.
02
Features a central oculus for natural light and ventilation.
03
Designed to enhance spiritual reflection along the pilgrimage route.
04
Cubic form that contrasts with the organic softness of its interior.
05
Serves as both a landmark and a place of rest for pilgrims.

Antinomia emerges from the gently sloping landscape leading toward the city of Assisi, situated along St. Francesco's way. The pavilion, crafted entirely of rammed earth, is a compact, silent cube that fosters a connection to its surroundings and the spiritual journey of pilgrims. The design reflects the historical significance of this pilgrimage route, offering a place for rest and contemplation that honors the life and teachings of Saint Francis.

Architectural Concept

The concept focuses on the relationship between spiritual reflection and architectural form. The pavilion goes beyond being a mere structure; it interacts with the environment and the spiritual experience of pilgrimage. The design emphasizes simplicity and humility, characteristics that resonate with the teachings of Saint Francis, creating an atmosphere that encourages deeper thought.

Materiality

Rammed earth is the primary material used in Antinomia. It provides durability while reinforcing the connection to the land. This choice challenges common ideas about material value, showing that richness can arise from simplicity. The approach celebrates the qualities of rammed earth, allowing for a balance between strength and beauty.

Spatial Experience

The pavilion is notable for its geometric form; the cube shape integrates with the landscape, presenting a solid exterior that contrasts with the soft and inviting nature of the inner surfaces. This contrast creates a setting that invites reflection and quiet thought. A bright oculus allows natural light to fill the space, enhancing the experience and encouraging a connection with the structure's design.

Thematic Exploration

Antinomia embodies a duality that is felt throughout its design. The fullness of the structure conveys a sense of completion, while simultaneously addressing themes of emptiness and loss. This complexity invites visitors to contemplate deeper ideas, connecting the architectural experience with the nature of their pilgrimage.

As light streams through the oculus, it casts gentle illumination on the rough textures of the rammed earth walls, emphasizing the material's tactile quality and encouraging reflection in this quiet retreat.

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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

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