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Rammed Earth Walls and Circular Water Pits in a Community-Focused Habitat

Author:
Sharon Lim Yu Jung
Rammed Earth Walls and Circular Water Pits in a Community-Focused Habitat

Project in-detail

Rammed earth walls and integrated rainwater harvesting systems create a sustainable habitat that fosters community resilience while addressing local environmental challenges.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth construction utilizes local soil to enhance thermal performance.
02
Spiral layout promotes efficient circulation and community interaction.
03
Integrated rainwater harvesting systems support self-sufficient water management.
04
Community gardens cultivate local agriculture and foster social connections.
05
Limestone calcinated clay cement significantly reduces carbon emissions in foundation work.

The Earth House is an architectural project situated in the Sahel region of Africa, focusing on sustainable living through the use of local materials and traditional construction techniques. This project addresses housing needs within the community while promoting environmental stewardship. The design incorporates efficient water management, energy production, and local community involvement, making it a significant response to the socio-environmental challenges in the area.

Sustainable Material Use and Construction Techniques

The Earth House employs stabilized rammed earth as its primary structural material. This choice not only provides necessary thermal mass and insulation but also utilizes locally available resources, enhancing the building's ecological footprint. The walls are designed with a thickness of 300 mm to optimize their performance. The project incorporates limestone calcinated clay cement (LC3) for the foundation and underfloor systems, considerably reducing carbon emissions traditionally associated with concrete construction. Roof elements utilize Kingspan QuadCore LEC insulated panels, which offer superior energy efficiency while maintaining structural integrity.

The project implements innovative water management through a rainwater harvesting system integrated with Kingspan rainwater tanks, ensuring a self-sufficient water supply. The landscape design includes circular pits for water conservation, improving soil fertility and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the vicinity. Solar panels provide off-grid electricity, aligning energy production with the community’s needs.

Spatial Configuration and Community Engagement

The architectural layout of the Earth House offers a spiral configuration, promoting fluid movement through the space. This design facilitates both public and private areas, encouraging social interaction and community bonding. The integration of communal spaces is a critical element, recognizing the importance of collaboration and connection among residents.

Careful consideration has been given to the placement of apertures, allowing for ample natural light while preserving privacy. The building's orientation further enhances the connection between indoor spaces and the surrounding environment, making it a key aspect of the design. By utilizing local construction methods and resources, this project preserves cultural significance while fostering a sense of ownership among community members.

The Earth House stands as a model of architectural efficiency and sustainability. By prioritizing local materials, efficient energy solutions, and fostering community engagement, this project not only meets housing demands but does so in a manner that respects and enhances the local environment. For additional insights into the architectural designs, plans, and sections of the Earth House project, the presentation offers further details for those interested in exploring its innovative concepts and layout.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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