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Rammed Earth Walls and Natural Light Create a Refuge in Urban Greenery

Authors:
Maria fernanda Del giovannino de oliveira, Larah Agostinho barbosa, Augusto Palhares zschaber da costa, Natália hiromi Guimaraes yoshikawa
Rammed Earth Walls and Natural Light Create a Refuge in Urban Greenery

Project in-detail

Rammed earth walls and a zenith opening create dynamic light patterns within a tranquil pavilion, offering a contemplative retreat amid the urban landscape of São Paulo.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls contribute to thermal regulation and acoustic comfort.
02
A zenith opening creates a dynamic interplay of light throughout the day.
03
Located within Ibirapuera Urban Park, the pavilion integrates with natural surroundings.
04
The wooden framework is reinforced for precision and stability in construction.
05
The design promotes contemplative experiences through intentional spatial flow.

The Penumbra Pavilion is located in Ibirapuera Urban Park in São Paulo and serves as a space for reflection and contemplation. The design draws from traditional earth-building methods, allowing visitors to connect with the surrounding nature while enjoying a serene experience. The concept emphasizes a refuge that contrasts with the bustling city, aiming to restore a sense of calm through both architectural and environmental elements.

Architectural Concept
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The pavilion features rammed earth walls that blend naturally with the landscape. This choice of material provides not just strength but also creates a tactile experience for visitors. A linear opening at the top lets in natural light, which transforms the interior throughout the day. This interaction between light and shadow adds a layer of dynamism, enhancing the visitors' experience as they move through the space.

Materiality and Construction
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The walls are created from a mixture of sand, gravel, clay, and cement stabilizer. This combination highlights a focus on sustainability, promoting thermal comfort within the space. The building utilizes a wooden framework that is reinforced with shutters for stability. This approach to construction emphasizes traditional craftsmanship while adapting it to modern needs, allowing for precise adjustments during the building process.

Spatial Organization
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The layout of the pavilion is arranged to encourage a smooth flow, guiding visitors toward moments of contemplation. Each area is thoughtfully designed to create opportunities for introspection and engagement with the surroundings. The arrangement facilitates interaction with both the architecture and the environment, encouraging visitors to be present in the moment.

As light filters through the pavilion, it emphasizes the textured surface of the rammed earth walls, highlighting the care taken in their construction. The design invites deep engagement, encouraging reflection on both the space and the natural world outside.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
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