Building a modern mud house using earth architecture techniques

The art of building with earth is an ancient one that has stood through the test of time. Archaeological evidence can date entire cities constructed on the earth back over 10,000 years - the City of Bam, Persia, Babylon, Yemen, and the great wall of china are a few examples.

Modern fashion of the 20th century created a break in the millennia-old developments – with the earth being exploited and polluted with processed materials. Although earthen construction has been widely used for centuries, it has been subjected to criticism due to a series of misconceptions. It has been associated with the limited technique, the last resort when no other building material is available and is particularly vulnerable to seismic events. On the contrary, history has proved that earthen architecture has been adopted by choice. 

Another major roadblock to practising earth architecture is the misbelief that houses made of earth can attain a maximum height of 1-2 stories. The lack of possible vertical planning leads to the overexploitation of land as a resource. However, Shibam, a city in Yemen debunks the above belief by building mud towers (100ft) built in the 16th century. 

If humankind could attain this with limited technology and knowledge, why can’t we build it better today?

Despite the fact that mud has proven to be beneficial in various aspects, why is it that it’s not used more often? Is it the problem of the mud itself or is this merely a problem of the modern mind?

The practice of earth architecture can prove to be a humanitarian step by providing homes for those who can’t afford it. At the same time, a well-executed earth architecture design can help in removing the stigma that earth architecture is poor architecture.

The aim was to design a modern apartment building using earth architecture techniques. The designed structure should be such that it becomes an icon of polished sustainable living that is on par with modern construction materials.

The jury for the competition consisted of esteemed designers, professionals, and academicians from around the world. The Lead Jurors for the competitions were as follows: 

Wang Jin, Founder, TEAM_BLDG, Shanghai, China

Xiao Lei, Founder, TEAM_BLDG, Shanghai, China

Gilles Delalex & Yves Moreau, Manager / Architect, Muoto, France

Movses Derkevorkian, Founder, Sill and Sound architects, Brussels, Belgium

Some of the Best of competition projects are:

Winning Project: Gardens Above Accra

By: Samuel Methvin & Hannah Mollere

Description: Gardens above Accra offers a retreat for the inhabitants of the city in green parks above.

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People Choice: Earth Made

By: Dhananjay Singh Gautam & Aditya Bhadoria

Description: The art of building with earth is an ancient one that has stood through the test of time. Archaeological evidence can date entire cities constructed of the earth back over 10,000 years - the City of Bam, Persia, Babylon, Yemen, and the great wall of china are the few examples.

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Institutional Excellence: STACKED//METROPOLIS

By: Jacquelyn Dupont & Chase Welch

Description: This project uses the traditional techniques of earthen construction and integrates it with the opulence of modern living in a seamless and dramatic way.

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Editor’s Choice: Urban Oasis

By: Keerthigan Thavaseelan & Tyler Bakhtiari

Description: A proposal secluded, but charming. A space between the earth, sea, wind, and the heavens. Inviting everyone to stop, sit, eat, play, and relax.

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Editor’s Choice: Ayodele

By: SangWon Hong & Nurin Abdullah

Description: Ayodele is a vision to show the possibility of bridging the gap between earth architecture and modern lifestyles. With our site located in the heart of Accra, the surroundings are conquered by concrete and asphalt, we aspire to strike a balance between green spaces, affordability, and lifestyle compatibility.

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Editor’s Choice: TETRISCAPE

By: Riya Venki

Description: Tetriscape, like the game Tetris, appears a seemingly simple design but brings about an aesthetic appeal because it is both visually and intellectually challenging. The concept here is to create a single magnificent courtyard. Instead of dividing the different functions of the building, such as habitation and communal living into different blocks.

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Editor’s Choice: Earth Made Residence

By: Justyna Kościółek & Katarzyna Skibińska

Description: The Earth Made Residence is a unique structure of 36 housing units which are a modern interpretation of a traditional Ghanaian residential compound house. It was important to design an iconic building with a modern, dynamic shape that is completely made out of the earth, so it becomes visible evidence that earthen architecture can be attractive.

Discover the design brief here: https://uni.xyz/competitions/earth-made/info/about 

Discover the full results here: https://uni.xyz/competitions/earth-made/entries 

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