Get inspired!

17,495 architecture projects

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

Rammed Earth Pavilion with Timber Canopy Nestled in a Natural Landscape

Authors:
James Stevens, Andreea Vasile-hoxha, Ergys Hoxha
Rammed Earth Pavilion with Timber Canopy Nestled in a Natural Landscape

Project in-detail

Crafted from rammed earth and supported by a timber canopy, the pavilion seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings, providing a tranquil space for meditation and community reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced rammed earth, enhancing thermal performance and sustainability.
02
Features a timber canopy that integrates with the natural landscape while providing shelter.
03
Designed with a curvilinear pathway that guides visitors from elevation to the pavilion entrance.
04
Emphasizes sensory experiences through varying light and shadow within the interior space.
05
Fosters community engagement through flexible spaces designed for meditation and group activities.
The project "ONE with EARTH" embodies a direct engagement between architecture and the natural environment. Designed as a pavilion situated in a gently sloping landscape, this architectural endeavor facilitates communal activities centered around reflection and meditation. The design integrates seamlessly into its surroundings, intended to foster a spiritual connection with the earth while providing a functional space for users.

The architectural composition showcases a pavilion that merges contemporary forms with organic shapes, creating a dialogue between built and natural environments. The structure is engineered to maximize light and create comfortable spaces through mindful openings and thoughtful material selection.

Sustainable practices are deeply embedded in the design, with a clear focus on utilizing local materials and methods. Rammed earth construction forms the primary structure, delivering excellent thermal performance while minimizing the environmental footprint associated with external materials. The choice of locally sourced timber adds warmth to the aesthetic, reinforcing the project's connection to its geographical context, while steel elements ensure structural integrity and functionality.

Engagement with the Landscape

A notable characteristic of "ONE with EARTH" is its pathway design, which invites users to journey from elevated grounds to the pavilion, encouraging a gradual shift from the external environment to the sanctuary within. This pathway is not merely a transitional element—it is an integral part of the user experience, designed to heighten awareness of the surrounding landscape. As individuals move towards the pavilion, they encounter varying textures and vistas, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural elements that frame the architectural space.

The pavilion's design approach also utilizes geometric forms that reflect the undulations of the terrain. This attention to form differentiates the project from more conventional structures by creating silhouettes that mimic natural landscapes instead of imposing rigid shapes. The result is an architecture that feels inherently tied to its surroundings, merging aesthetics with an intuitive environmental response.

Innovative Use of Materials

The material choices in "ONE with EARTH" convey a commitment to sustainability while also addressing aesthetic and functional needs. The use of rammed earth not only serves as a thermal mass but also contributes to the acoustic properties of the space, ensuring a peaceful environment suited for contemplation. The exposed timber structure, complemented by natural textiles for seating and furnishings, enhances comfort and warmth, inviting users to linger and engage with the space.

The integration of a steel canopy serves a dual purpose: it provides protection from the elements while also allowing controlled light entry into the pavilion. This nuanced approach to materiality underscores a careful balance between nature and human-made environments, enabling the construction to serve its intended function effectively.

Exploring this architectural project reveals a well-thought-out design that prioritizes user experience, environmental sustainability, and aesthetic harmony with the site. For those interested in a deeper understanding of the project, it is advisable to review the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs that supplement this analysis. Such documents provide indispensable insights into the architectural ideas and methodologies underlying "ONE with EARTH."
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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
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 17,495 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