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Rammed Earth Pavilion With Hyperbolic Roof Engaging the Desert Landscape

Author:
Luis fernando Islas villarreal
Rammed Earth Pavilion With Hyperbolic Roof Engaging the Desert Landscape

Project in-detail

Constructed from rammed earth with a hyperbolic roof, the pavilion seamlessly integrates into the Sahara Desert's landscape while providing shelter for reflection and engagement with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed entirely from rammed earth, enhancing climate adaptability.
02
Features a hyperbolic roof design that allows for optimal natural lighting.
03
Incorporates local traditions of Berber architecture through its form and materials.
04
Utilizes natural openings to create dynamic light and shadow effects indoors.
05
Offers panoramic views of the Sahara landscape, fostering a strong sense of place.

The Berber's Earth Pavilion is located in the Sahara Desert of Morocco, among the Merzouga Dunes and nearby gravel plains next to Lake Dayet Srij. It takes inspiration from the traditional homes of the Berber people, focusing on how shelter interacts with the harsh desert conditions. The design fosters a connection between the structure and the landscape, allowing visitors to engage more deeply with their surroundings.

Materials
Rammed earth is used for both the walls and the benches. This choice reflects the material traditionally employed by the Berber culture, providing a sense of continuity with the past. The rammed earth walls help manage indoor temperatures, making the pavilion comfortable in extreme weather. The texture and colors of the walls blend into the local environment, aligning closely with the natural tones of the desert.

Structural Form
The roof of the pavilion is shaped like a hyperbolic paraboloid and is made from regional timber. This roof design offers both a unique form and reliable structural support. A central skylight brings in daylight, brightening the interior during the day and allowing for views of the stars at night. This feature connects the building to both the ground below and the sky above, deepening the experience for those inside.

Interior Experience
Inside, rammed earth benches provide spaces for visitors to sit and take in the views. These benches match the walls, creating a unified look throughout the pavilion. Large openings in the walls allow light to filter in, casting interesting shadows and brightening the space. The interplay of light and texture enhances the atmosphere, inviting contemplation and connection.

The pavilion stands as a thoughtful structure that combines traditional methods with modern design. It focuses on how forms and materials can shape experiences in a challenging environment. With its attention to local culture and natural surroundings, the Berber's Earth Pavilion offers a place for reflection and appreciation of the vast desert landscape.

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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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