Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Rammed Earth Pavilion With Tactile Experiences in the Marrakech Desert

Author:
Zakaria Siouda
Rammed Earth Pavilion With Tactile Experiences in the Marrakech Desert

Project in-detail

Set against the backdrop of the Agafay desert, a circular pavilion constructed of rammed earth engages visitors through tactile experiences and naturally ventilated spaces while serving as a dedicated exhibition venue.
5 key facts about this project
01
A helical staircase guides visitors to a panoramic terrace overlooking the desert.
02
Rammed earth construction provides effective thermal and acoustic insulation.
03
The pavilion's circular design reflects natural rhythms and patterns in the landscape.
04
Visitors engage with tactile walls, enhancing their sensory experience.
05
Natural ventilation is integrated through an open wooden structure for comfort.

The Earthys-Oasis is located in the desert of Agafay, Marrakech, and serves as a permanent exhibition pavilion that highlights the use of rammed earth. The design takes cues from the local environment, featuring a circular shape that reflects natural rhythms and forms. This pavilion aims to provide a peaceful space in the challenging desert landscape while encouraging appreciation for traditional building materials and sustainable practices.

Spatial Experience
Visitors enter through a carefully designed sequence of spaces. A descending staircase leads down into a gallery where the walls are made from rammed earth. This arrangement allows people to connect with the material by touching its unique texture. The focus on tactile experiences encourages exploration and fosters a deeper understanding of the construction method.



Transition and Engagement
As visitors ascend a helical staircase, they are surrounded by the earthen walls that create a continuous experience. This journey ends at a terrace that provides sweeping views of the desert, connecting the indoor space to the vast landscape outside. The design guides visitors through a meaningful experience, allowing them to reflect on their surroundings.



Materiality and Sustainability
Rammed earth is chosen for its effective insulation properties. This material keeps the interior comfortable in both hot and cool conditions. By using locally sourced materials, the pavilion aligns itself with its geographic context. It reduces the environmental impact associated with transportation and supports local building traditions.



Natural Light and Ventilation
Incorporating natural ventilation and light plays a crucial role in addressing the climate of the desert. The use of wooden elements in the open structure enhances the flow of air and lets in daylight, creating a welcoming atmosphere. This thoughtful design ensures that the pavilion works well with the natural elements, providing a comfortable space for visitors.



The Earthys-Oasis emphasizes the connection to nature while engaging visitors on multiple levels. The combination of local materials and careful design creates a space that invites exploration and reflection, showcasing the simple yet profound relationship between architecture and the environment.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy