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Rammed Earth Terracing Creating a Communal Vertical Garden in Andean Landscape

Author:
Alana Tam
Rammed Earth Terracing Creating a Communal Vertical Garden in Andean Landscape

Project in-detail

Lush terraced walls of rammed earth intertwine with vibrant vertical gardens, fostering a sustainable community space that reconnects residents with their agricultural heritage in the Andean landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates locally sourced rammed earth, reflecting traditional construction methods appropriate for the Andean climate.
02
Vertical gardening systems enhance space efficiency while promoting biodiversity and community involvement.
03
The terraced walls serve both as structural elements and as platforms for agricultural education and engagement.
04
Community members are actively involved in the planting and maintenance of the garden, fostering a sense of ownership and stewardship.
05
The project seamlessly blends architectural form with the surrounding landscape, creating a visually cohesive and environmentally sensitive space.
The "Un-Earthing and Re-Earthing: The Strawberry Wall Garden" project exemplifies a thoughtful approach to architectural design that integrates the principles of sustainability, community engagement, and cultural identity. Situated in a rural area reminiscent of Chinchero, Peru, the project serves as both a structural innovation and a preservation of agricultural traditions.

At its core, this architectural endeavor represents a reconnection with the land and heritage, utilizing local materials and techniques to create a space that fosters community interaction and ecological balance. The design emphasizes the ideas of "un-earthing" and "re-earthing," suggesting a dual engagement with the past—excavating traditional practices while paving the way for future sustainable living.

Functionally, the project serves as a communal agricultural space where residents can cultivate plants, particularly strawberries, within a unique architectural framework. This multifunctional aspect encourages not only the growth of crops but also social interaction among community members, fostering a strong sense of identity and togetherness. The use of terraced walls promotes accessibility and interaction, allowing individuals to engage with the garden in an immersive manner.

The project's architectural design incorporates a blend of locally sourced materials including rammed earth, local stone, glass, and metal, each selected for their environmental qualities and relevance to the region. Rammed earth walls not only provide insulation but also reflect the landscape's natural characteristics, establishing a direct connection to the site. The strategic use of local stone enhances structural integrity while providing an aesthetic that resonates with the existing environment. Meanwhile, the careful integration of glass and metal allows for ample natural light, creating inviting interior spaces that draw occupants into the garden experience.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the Strawberry Wall Garden, particularly in the emphasis on vertical gardening techniques. This innovative method maximizes limited space, enabling productive use while preserving the area’s agricultural identity. By creating vertical planters that encourage diverse planting, the design promotes biodiversity and offers educational opportunities for community members, particularly youth, to engage with agricultural practices actively.

Moreover, the project goes beyond conventional architectural paradigms by merging art and engineering seamlessly. The sculptural qualities of the terraced walls not only serve a functional purpose but also contribute to the visual narrative of the garden, transforming it into an interactive landscape that invites exploration and discovery. This thoughtful integration of artistic elements within functional design underscores the project’s commitment to enhancing the overall user experience.

In addition, the project fosters ecological resilience by employing permaculture principles and sustainable practices that honor and leverage the local ecosystem. The incorporation of soil and native planting mediums facilitates productive growth while ensuring minimal disruption to the environment. This balance between the built and natural elements is central to the project’s identity and effectiveness as a community resource.

Overall, the "Un-Earthing and Re-Earthing: The Strawberry Wall Garden" stands as a comprehensive architectural project that captures the essence of its cultural and geographical context. By bridging traditional agricultural practices with contemporary design methodologies, it offers a robust platform for community interaction and environmental responsibility. To understand the full scope of the project, including detailed architectural plans, sections, and designs, readers are encouraged to explore the project's presentation for more insights into this innovative architectural endeavor.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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
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