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Rammed Earth Pavilion Featuring Octagonal Layout and Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Connections

Authors:
Fabio Chinzi, Maksim Fixemer, Leonard Fischer, Alexandra Meier
Rammed Earth Pavilion Featuring Octagonal Layout and Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Connections

Project in-detail

The use of locally sourced rammed earth in an octagonal layout creates a pavilion that enhances natural landscapes while providing flexible exhibition space for community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced rammed earth to blend with the surrounding landscape.
02
Features an octagonal layout that enhances visual connections to natural viewpoints.
03
Incorporates a flexible interior design to accommodate various exhibition formats.
04
Employs a grid system for precise wall orientation and light management.
05
Maximizes indoor-outdoor interaction through strategically placed openings.
The project "Viewfinder" is an architectural pavilion situated in Phoenix, Arizona. Designed to enhance interaction with the landscape, the pavilion serves as a multi-functional exhibition space that connects visitors to the surrounding desert environment. The structure is primarily constructed using rammed earth, a material choice that not only grounds the building in its geographical context but also offers thermal stability and durability.

The pavilion features a thoughtful spatial organization that includes an octagonal central room, designed for exhibitions, and circular sectional spaces that allow for ease of movement and flow. This strategic layout is positioned to align visually with the terrain, encouraging users to engage with the natural landscape while accentuating the building's aesthetic connection to its environment.

Unique Design Approaches
One of the most distinctive aspects of this project is its integration into the landscape. The pavilion employs a systematic grid for the placement and orientation of walls, maximizing visual connections to pivotal viewpoints. The building's openings are intentionally orchestrated, framing specific views of the surrounding scenery and inviting exploration. This dynamic interaction with the landscape allows visitors to appreciate the natural beauty while providing moments of pause and reflection.

Materiality also plays a significant role in the design. The use of locally sourced rammed earth not only minimizes the environmental impact but resonates with the site's geological characteristics. The project utilizes timber boards for formwork, defining structural parameters and contributing to the building’s aesthetic coherence. This deliberate choice of materials enhances the pavilion's connection with its immediate environment, ensuring that it complements rather than disrupts.

In addition to its ecological sensitivity, the "Viewfinder" pavilion reflects a modern understanding of architectural context by weaving in elements of the region’s cultural and natural heritage. The overall design embodies a contemporary approach to architecture while maintaining respect for environmental integrities.

Architectural Details and Features
The pavilion's architectural details reveal a commitment to functional and expressive design. The roof comprises triangular sections that cast deliberate patterns of light and shadow within the interior space, creating an engaging atmosphere. The walls, formed by layers of compacted earth, provide not only structural integrity but also a unique tactile quality to the visitor experience.

The pavilion is designed to be adaptable, accommodating various forms of exhibitions and community events. The arrangement of spaces is flexible, allowing for diverse configurations that can cater to different visitor needs.

To gain deeper insights into the design and its elements, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation, focusing on architectural plans, architectural sections, architectural designs, and architectural ideas integral to the "Viewfinder" project. Discover the ways in which this pavilion enhances its surroundings and offers a unique visitor experience in a desert landscape.
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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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