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Rammed Earth Walls and Natural Timber Create Harmonious Communal Spaces in Italy

Authors:
Alessandro Mangano, Chanvuth Nareth, Vyarith Tep
Rammed Earth Walls and Natural Timber Create Harmonious Communal Spaces in Italy

Project in-detail

Constructed with rammed earth walls and natural timber, the architectural design creates a seamless blend with its Italian landscape, providing communal spaces that foster social interactions and connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project utilizes locally sourced rammed earth for its thermal mass properties, enhancing energy efficiency.
02
Natural timber from regional forests is employed extensively, promoting sustainability and supporting local economies.
03
Each guest house features a unique bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and airflow.
04
Landscaping integrates native plant species, ensuring biodiversity and reducing maintenance requirements.
05
Solar panels are seamlessly incorporated into the pavilion roofs, optimizing energy generation without compromising aesthetics.
The architectural project located near Spello, Italy, represents a thoughtful integration of built form and natural environment, embodying a design philosophy that prioritizes sustainability, community, and user experience. This architectural endeavor involves a series of interconnected pavilions that serve multiple functions, ranging from communal spaces to private accommodations. The project seeks to enhance the relationship between residents and the surrounding landscapes, encouraging a dialogue that promotes both cultural appreciation and environmental consciousness.

At its core, this architecture project is designed to facilitate a communal lifestyle while providing intimate spaces that cater to individual needs. Central to the layout is a communal pavilion, which acts as the social heart of the project. This pavilion is characterized by large glass facades that open up to the outdoor terraces and gardens, allowing for an abundance of natural light and seamless views of the picturesque landscape. The interior space is crafted to accommodate various activities, including dining, relaxation, and wellness pursuits, reflecting the project’s commitment to creating a nurturing atmosphere that encourages social interaction.

Surrounding the main pavilion are several guest houses, each designed to provide a private yet connected experience. The architectural layout ensures that these lodgings, while offering seclusion, do not isolate themselves from the community aspect of the project. Each structure adopts a modern interpretation of traditional forms, featuring slanted roofs with overhangs that enhance architectural aesthetics and provide functional benefits such as improved natural ventilation and passive solar heating.

A pivotal aspect of this design is its materiality. The project employs a diverse range of materials that not only contribute to the aesthetic appeal but also promote sustainability and resilience. Weatherproof metal brass is utilized for cladding, ensuring durability and maintenance ease in the face of changing weather conditions. Natural timber plays an integral role in the structure, providing a warm, tactile quality that fosters an inviting atmosphere. Key features like rammed earth walls offer thermal mass, enhancing energy efficiency, while reinforced concrete underpins the robustness of the buildings. The integration of double glazing facilitates thermal performance and maximizes natural light without compromising on energy metrics.

The landscaping elements are meticulously planned to create a rich outdoor experience that complements the architectural design. Swimming pools, sun terraces, and pathways interlace with the built structures, allowing occupants to engage intimately with the natural surroundings. A particular emphasis on native plant species enhances the ecological footprint of the project, promoting biodiversity and environmental stewardship.

Unique design approaches evident in this project include its commitment to energy efficiency and environmental impact reduction. The use of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels installed on the roofs of the pavilions, underscores the project's commitment to sustainability. Furthermore, the thoughtful selection of materials is oriented towards minimizing carbon emissions associated with construction and operational energy use, reflecting a holistic approach to environmental responsibility.

Overall, this architectural project exemplifies a harmonious blend of functionality, aesthetics, and environmental awareness, setting a new standard for modern architecture imbued with cultural relevance. Its design facilitates not only a place to inhabit but fosters a community that thrives on interaction and connection to nature. This project invites readers to explore further through its architectural plans and sections, providing deeper insights into the architectural designs and ideas behind the concept. For anyone interested in modern architecture and its potential to enhance living environments, this project presents an engaging case study worth delving into.
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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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