Get inspired!

17,249 architecture projects

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

Rammed Earth Structure Embraces Natural Light Through Elliptical Form in Urban Oasis

Authors:
Maria fernanda Del giovannino de oliveira, Larah Agostinho barbosa, Augusto Palhares zschaber da costa, Natália hiromi Guimaraes yoshikawa
Rammed Earth Structure Embraces Natural Light Through Elliptical Form in Urban Oasis

Project in-detail

Constructed from rammed earth, the elliptical pavilion integrates natural light through a zenith opening within a public park, providing a space for contemplation and community engagement in an urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed entirely with rammed earth, enhancing thermal efficiency.
02
Features an elliptical design that promotes a dynamic interaction with light.
03
Incorporates a zenith opening for natural illumination and ventilation.
04
Emphasizes tactile engagement with natural materials throughout the interior.
05
Serves as a community focal point for reflection and environmental awareness.
The Penumbra Pavilion is an architectural project located in Ibirapura Urban Park, São Paulo, Brazil. Designed as a public space, the pavilion serves as a site for contemplation and interaction within a bustling urban environment. The structure emphasizes harmony with its surroundings, utilizing natural materials and forms to create a refuge that invites visitors to pause and reflect.

The pavilion is characterized by its elliptical form, which facilitates an open and fluid spatial organization. The walls, constructed from rammed earth, not only enhance the thermal performance of the structure but also establish a tactile connection with the natural elements. A central zenith linear opening allows natural light to filter into the interior, creating a dynamic play of shadows that changes throughout the day. This engagement with light further connects visitors to the outside environment, blurring the lines between interior and exterior.

One of the defining aspects of the project is its focus on sensory engagement. The design encourages visitors to experience varying textures, colors, and changes in light, fostering a sense of connection to both the built environment and nature. The cantilevered roof, supported by steel angle frames, serves practical purposes while contributing to the overall aesthetic. By allowing ample coverage while maintaining an unobstructed view, the roof enhances the user experience, providing shelter without severing connections to the broader landscape.

The Penumbra Pavilion stands apart from other architectural projects due to its use of rammed earth combined with contemporary design principles. This blend of traditional construction techniques with modern aesthetics results in a building that is both sustainable and visually appealing. The variability of the rammed earth walls promotes an evolving experience for visitors, as the structure transforms throughout the seasons and times of day, reinforcing the connection between architecture and locality.

The pavilion’s integration with Ibirapura Urban Park elevates its function as a community space. It serves not only as an architectural installation but also as a catalyst for public engagement and awareness regarding environmental issues. By promoting mindfulness and interaction, the Penumbra Pavilion represents a shift in urban architectural approaches, emphasizing the need for spaces that nurture environmental consciousness and enrich user experiences.

For further exploration of the architectural details, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs, interested readers are encouraged to review the project's presentation for comprehensive insights into its unique design and functional strategies.
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 17,249 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