Jeannette Kuo: Both of you have been questioning standardized materials that have dominated the industry and rethinking what we can do better in our means of production. Some of this involves revisiting more traditional ways of building that have been forgotten or are not as common these days. I’m curious about the challenges you’ve come … Read more
Once dismissed as purely vernacular, rammed earth is now considered a high-performance building material, capable of meeting contemporary structural demands while addressing urgent imperatives of climate resilience, sustainability, and human well-being. This transition is driven by advancements in geotechnical engineering and refinements in stabilization. At its essence, rammed earth is the compaction of a calibrated … Read more
Building a cabin on a volcanic island, with unstable soil, constant humidity, and limited access to resources was quite a challenge for this man. The chosen area had dense vegetation, deep roots, and uneven soil, typical of volcanic regions. Before any construction, it was necessary to completely clear the space, remove natural obstacles, and select trees … Read more
Sand sourced from four different regions creates a “geological canvas” of colored and textured strata in the rammed-earth walls of this home in India. Named A House Born of Four Soils, the 790-square-metre (8,503 ft2} home is located on an open, arid site on the outskirts of Ahmedabad. The dwelling has a series of low-slung … Read more
Mel Oliver had a lot to consider when she went looking for her dream home in the country. She wanted to get back to the land and to live a more self-sufficient lifestyle, but with a teenager at home, she knew it wouldn’t be fair to move out to the country permanently. “I wanted the … Read more
The Earth Castle near Perth, Australia is a 1400 square meter (15,000 sf) mansion set upon breathtaking 64 acres. Carved into the earth, this sheltered marvel is a triumph of thermal design and artistic vision. You cross the threshold through heavy, arched timber doors and enter a world of curves and light. The heart of … Read more