Ceramics Workshop Liza Crea / - = + x -: Sustainable Rammed Earth Architecture in Asunción

Located in Asunción, Paraguay, the Ceramics Workshop Liza Crea, designed by architects Francisco Tomboly and Sonia Carisimo of - = + x -, is a masterclass in sustainable design, material efficiency, and inspiration drawn from nature. Completed in 2023, this 98 m² ceramics workshop integrates local materials, natural lighting, and environmentally conscious construction techniques to create a functional, inspiring workspace for artists and craftspeople.

Nature-Inspired Design: Learning from the Hornero

The workshop draws its design philosophy from the hornero bird (Furnarius rufus), native to Paraguay and other South American countries such as Bolivia, Uruguay, Brazil, and Argentina. Renowned for its meticulous clay nest construction, the hornero demonstrates a profound mastery of earth as a building material. Architects adopted this principle, designing a space that mirrors the hornero’s skill and resourcefulness, emphasizing earth-based materials, handcrafted details, and local resource utilization.

Rammed Earth Construction: Local Materials, Sustainable Practices

A cornerstone of the project is the use of rammed earth walls, crafted directly from soil excavated on-site during the creation of a water feature. By using 100% of the excavated material, the architects minimized transportation, reduced construction energy consumption, and achieved a material cycle that reflects the workshop’s ceramic ethos. These compressed earth walls not only define the structural framework but also create thermal mass that naturally regulates indoor temperatures, enhancing sustainability.

Spatial Organization and Courtyard Integration

The workshop is thoughtfully arranged around a central lapacho tree, forming a courtyard that provides cross-ventilation, natural lighting, and a serene focal point for the space. On the ground floor, the rammed earth walls delineate multiple zones for ceramic processes while maintaining a sense of spatial integration. Functional areas include clay preparation, molding, and finishing stations, all designed for efficient workflow.

Above, the concrete slab terrace extends around the tree canopy, offering a quiet, elevated space for reflection, meetings, or display of completed works. The integration of natural elements, such as the tree and sunlight, strengthens the connection between craft, nature, and the built environment.

Materiality and Craft: A Reflection of Purpose

The material palette: rammed earth walls, exposed beams, wooden shelving, and clay-centered finishes, echoes the workshop’s purpose: creating objects from the earth itself. Every element is intentionally chosen to reflect ceramic craftsmanship, sustainability, and local cultural identity, making the workshop not only a functional studio but also a showcase of environmentally conscious architectural design.

Ceramics Workshop Liza Crea stands as a remarkable example of eco-friendly architecture, rammed earth construction, and nature-inspired design. By fusing local materials, sustainable methods, and artisanal inspiration, the project provides a creative, efficient, and harmonious workspace that celebrates both craft and environment.

All photographs are works of  Renato Duria