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Rammed Earth Structure with Hemp Tarps Overlooking Coastal Landscape

Author:
Adela Ho
Rammed Earth Structure with Hemp Tarps Overlooking Coastal Landscape
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Constructed with rammed earth and covered by hemp tarps, the pavilion blends harmoniously with its coastal setting, offering a unique space for lectures and performances that fosters community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using local rammed earth that matches the surrounding landscape.
02
Features a concaved stage that enhances acoustic performance.
03
Audience chamber is earth-carved, providing natural seating arrangements.
04
Covered with hemp tarps, allowing natural light while protecting from elements.
05
Incorporates gabion sea walls for structural stability against coastal erosion.

The rammed earth pavilion stands at a gulf surrounded by the ocean, designed as a space for lectures and performances. It connects visitors to nature in a setting that highlights sustainability. The concept revolves around using local materials and forms that reflect the environment, creating a harmonious relationship between the structure and its surroundings.

Foundation and Materials

The foundation consists of Cast In Place (CIP) concrete and gabion sea walls, providing strength against the coastal conditions. These materials help fight erosion and offer a balance between durability and visual appeal. The pavilion’s walls are made using rammed earth techniques, incorporating local sand, gravel, and clay. This approach fosters a sense of place, as the same earth also serves as the ground surface, reinforcing the project's connection to its location.

Spatial Arrangement

Inside, the pavilion features a concaved stage that serves as the main area for performances. Audiences gather in an earth-carved chamber shaped like a bowl. This design aids in sound performance and offers comfortable seating. The curved ground creates an inviting atmosphere, encouraging interaction among visitors while allowing them to focus on the events taking place.

Sheltering Structure

Hemp tarps cover the pavilion, offering protection from the weather while letting natural light in. This choice enhances the visual aspects of the structure and adds warmth to the interior. The use of sustainable materials like hemp emphasizes a commitment to environmentally friendly practices, reflecting the overall design philosophy centered on nature and sustainability.

Cultural Resonance

The design draws on themes of nature and survival, resonating with human experiences. Its placement within a natural setting brings to mind stories like that of Noah, encouraging visitors to reflect on their connection to the environment. The mix of organic shapes and local materials creates a rich experience, inviting everyone to appreciate the relationship between architecture and the world around them.

The pavilion fosters a sense of place by allowing visitors to experience both openness and intimacy, inviting them to engage with the setting while remaining grounded in the earth beneath them.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
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