rammed earth and windcatcher roofs shape farm village in abu dhabi by inca hernandez

An upcoming workshop in Cuba will focus on the traditional building technique of rammed earth and plaster, offering participants hands-on experience in transforming an abandoned tobacco house. The workshop is set to take place near the Zaza River, located in the central region of the island. It is designed to attract a diverse audience, including professionals, students, and practitioners interested in sustainable and traditional construction methods. The workshop will be led by Earthman, a renowned organization in the field of rammed earth construction. Hanno Burtscher, the founder of Earthman, will be the primary instructor, supported by his collaborators Carlos Cobarrubias and Andrej Marincovic. Earthman, which originated in Vorarlberg, Austria, has established a significant global presence due to its expertise and innovative approaches in rammed earth building. The event aims to provide practical knowledge and skills in the technique of rammed earth, which involves compacting a damp mixture of soil, chalk, lime, or cement into an external wall structure. This method is known for its ecological benefits, including low embodied energy, thermal mass properties that contribute to natural insulation, and the use of readily available local materials. Participants will learn about the preparation of the earth mixture, the proper compaction techniques, and the application of plaster finishes, which are essential for durability and aesthetic appeal. The chosen site, an abandoned tobacco house, offers a real-world context for learning and application. This intervention not only serves as an educational opportunity but also contributes to the revitalization of existing structures using sustainable building practices. The focus on an abandoned building highlights the potential for rammed earth construction in heritage preservation and adaptive reuse projects. By engaging with this traditional yet sustainable building method, the workshop seeks to promote environmentally friendly construction in Cuba. Rammed earth construction aligns with principles of sustainability by reducing the need for manufactured materials and minimizing waste. Its thermal properties can also lead to reduced energy consumption for heating and cooling, making it a suitable technique for various climates, including Cuba's tropical environment. This initiative underscores the growing global interest in natural building techniques as viable alternatives to conventional construction. The collaboration with Earthman brings international expertise to Cuba, fostering a valuable exchange of knowledge and practical skills that can benefit local communities and contribute to the development of sustainable architecture in the region. The workshop is a significant step towards preserving traditional building knowledge while adapting it to modern environmental challenges. #RammedEarth #SustainableConstruction #Earthman #TraditionalBuildingTechniques #Cuba #ArchitecturalWorkshop #NaturalBuilding #AdaptiveReuse #EnvironmentalDesign

Di Frenna arquitectos designed Espacio Kaab, a residential project situated adjacent to the historic Nogueras hacienda in Colima, Mexico. This hacienda, initially a sugar production site in the early 1700s, later became associated with the family of internationally acclaimed artist Alejandro Rangel Hidalgo in the 1940s and continues to be a significant landmark within the community. The architectural design of Espacio Kaab thoughtfully addresses its historical context, providing views towards the hacienda as a nod to its location and integrating design elements influenced by the property's rich past. Faced with the challenge of building in an area steeped in history, cultural significance, and architectural heritage, Di Frenna arquitectos embraced the site's unique characteristics. The design of Espacio Kaab consciously interacts with the hacienda, framing specific vistas towards the historical grounds. The project also incorporates more tangible references to the hacienda's influence, utilizing ancient construction techniques and materials originally employed in the complex. This approach fostered community involvement in Comala, leveraging ancestral knowledge in crafts developed by Rangel himself, such as ironwork and woven reed ceilings, which infuse the residence with a distinct identity. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by the captivating natural environment, characterized by arid vegetation, cacti, stones, and earthy tones, creating a sense of immersion and contrast with the region's typically vibrant flora. The architectural layout was developed organically with the landscape, offering a spatial solution that responded to the terrain's specific requirements and nuances. The guiding principles throughout the design process were to respect the topography, adapt to the setting, and achieve harmony with the environment, resulting in a home that feels seamlessly integrated into its natural surroundings. The project blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces through strategically placed patios, terraces, contained gardens, and unique views of the river and canyon. The core design concept aimed to create an environment where the boundaries between interior and exterior dissolve, allowing the natural colors and textures of the surroundings to blend with the building's palette. This is exemplified by the seamless transition from indoor to outdoor, enabling occupants to walk barefoot across natural stone floors without a perceptible change in environment. To achieve this, the architects employed a primary palette of raw, natural tones. Materials were often sourced locally from Comala, notably the rammed earth used for walls. Other distinctive finishes, such as the eggshell-colored chukum stucco, reflect ancient Mexican construction techniques. The incorporation of local palm wood, river stone, woven carrizo ceilings, and artisanal blacksmithing further reinforces the connection to the land and the local craftsmanship championed by Rangel. While honoring these traditional elements, the design also introduces modern techniques and innovative structural solutions, bridging historical crafts with contemporary architectural practices. Espacio Kaab is a collaborative effort, with Matia Di Frenna Müller and Mariana de la Mora Padilla leading the project team. The residence serves as a testament to integrating historical context, local craftsmanship, and environmental sensitivity within a modern dwelling. It demonstrates how traditional materials and building methods, combined with innovative design, can create a home that is both deeply rooted in its place and forward-thinking in its approach to sustainable and harmonious living. #MexicanArchitecture #RammedEarth #Chukum #LocalMaterials #HaciendaDesign #SustainableArchitecture #DiFrennaArquitectos #ColimaMexico #ResidentialArchitecture