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Rammed Earth Pavilion Integrating Curved Walls and Natural Ventilation in the Desert

Author:
Luis fernando Islas villarreal
Rammed Earth Pavilion Integrating Curved Walls and Natural Ventilation in the Desert

Project in-detail

Employing locally sourced rammed earth and incorporating curved walls for natural ventilation, the pavilion serves as a cultural hub that engages with the desert landscape while fostering community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily from locally sourced rammed earth for sustainability.
02
Incorporates curved walls that enhance natural airflow and climate adaptation.
03
Features large openings to frame views of the surrounding desert landscape.
04
Utilizes traditional Berber architectural elements to honor cultural heritage.
05
Serves as a multifunctional community hub for cultural activities and gatherings.
The Berber's Earth Pavilion is an architectural project located in the Sahara Desert, Morocco. This structure serves as a cultural and community space, integrating local materials and traditional building techniques with contemporary design ideals. The pavilion aims to promote interaction and understanding of Berber heritage while providing a functional environment for gatherings and events.

Materiality and Craftsmanship
A notable aspect of this project is its use of rammed earth as the primary building material. This choice emphasizes sustainability and regional context, drawing from local earth, gravel, and sand to create a durable, thermal-regulating structure. The incorporation of wood beams provides necessary support to the roof while adding warmth to the interior. Furthermore, natural light features, such as skylights, enhance the spatial experience, allowing occupants to connect with the landscape outside. The design considers vernacular architectural elements, using curved walls and strategically placed openings to ensure natural ventilation and to harmonize with the surrounding environment.

Design Concept and Functionality
The pavilion's design reflects the nomadic lifestyle of the Berber people, with its hyperbolic roof form lending a sense of movement and fluidity. This architectural choice not only addresses practical concerns, such as rainwater drainage, but also visually connects the structure to the undulating sands of the desert. The open layout accommodates various activities, ranging from cultural events to educational workshops, reinforcing the pavilion's role as a communal hub. By incorporating extensive views of the desert, the design fosters a deep engagement with the site, enabling visitors to appreciate the broader context of their surroundings.

Cultural Integration and Community Engagement
What sets Berber's Earth Pavilion apart is its commitment to cultural integration. This project combines traditional building methods with modern aesthetics, making it a relevant example of how architecture can reflect and honor local customs. The pavilion serves not only as a functional space but also as an educational platform that invites exploration of Berber history and lifestyle. Visitors can immerse themselves in the design's details, from architectural plans to sections that illustrate the careful thought put into the structure's spatial organization.

To gain a deeper understanding of this architectural project, readers are encouraged to explore the detailed architectural plans, sections, and designs that illustrate the aesthetic and functional decisions made throughout the design process. This exploration will provide additional insights into the innovative ideas and approaches that underpin the Berber's Earth Pavilion.
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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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