Presence in Hormuz 2, Hormuz, Iran, ZAV Architects (2020) — These colorful buildings are crafted using the SuperAdobe system by non-profit CalEarth. The method for building these domed structures was pioneered by renowned architect Nader Khalili. Sandbags are filled with moist earth, which are arranged in coils and reinforced with barbed wire and sometimes cement, lime or asphalt between layers. The outside is finished with plaster, protecting the structure from erosion. In Hormuz, 200 buildings were made this way to create a holiday village.
Around the world, innovative homes are redefining how we live. Author Sean Topham highlights 3D printing company Icon, which is “really quite aggressively shaking things up.” Its structures utilize “Lavacrete,” a quick-drying cement-like mix, created using a computer-controlled nozzle that builds layers vertically. Furthermore, ICON has been awarded a contract by NASA to develop a construction system for the lunar surface. “It’s using what’s there,” says Courtenay Smith, emphasizing the need to use local resources instead of transporting materials globally.
Innovative Projects Around the World
ICON + BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group
Plugin Houses, China, People’s Architecture Office (2016-2018) — In the dense hodgepodge of some old urban neighborhoods in Beijing and Shenzhen, houses are being updated with new sections that can be slotted into or around existing and dilapidated structures. This approach helps preserve communities by allowing families to stay in areas they have known for generations.Buoyant Ecologies Floating Lab, Oakland, California, Architectural Ecologies Lab (2019) — This prototype building provides insights into future marine living. The polymer structure acts as a breakwater to reduce coastal erosion, while its curved shape collects rainwater and offers habitat for ocean invertebrates. Testing further in the Maldives may bolster shorelines and capture nutrients for mangroves.Villa Vals, Vals, Switzerland, SeARCH and Christian Müller Architects (2009) — This cave-like home, cut into a hillside, is accessed via an underground tunnel from a nearby barn. Its unique design allows for ample natural light while maintaining minimal environmental impact. It serves as an example of finding shelter in harmony with nature.Flat House, Cambridgeshire, UK, Practice Architecture (2019) — This project utilizes hemp, processed into prefabricated blocks known for their heat insulation properties. The building features natural materials that contribute to sustainability, making it easier for the environment to recover post-construction.House for Trees, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, Vo Trong Nghia Architects (2014) — These homes utilize their deep roofs as large plant containers, filtering air pollutants while promoting urban greenery within residential areas. This innovative approach to home design encourages biodiversity and enhances urban living standards.Mud Shell prototype, London, UK, MuDD Architects (2018) — Featuring a high-tech approach, this structure was rapidly built using a drone that sprayed clay, showcasing modern construction methods that reduce the need for scaffolding and promote efficient building techniques.Jintai Village Reconstruction, Bazhong, China, Rural Urban Framework (2017) — This community, rebuilt after natural disasters, emphasizes self-sufficiency with features like garden roofs and waste treatment systems, highlighting a transition toward sustainable living in rural areas.Casa Covida, San Luis Valley, Colorado, Emerging Objects (2020) — A practical example of 3D printing, this home is made from adobe and integrates local materials, exemplifying innovation in sustainable housing.Building with Earth, Macha, China, Professor Mu Jun and Bridge to China (ongoing) — This initiative reintroduces ancient building methods to enhance local community resilience and sustainability, proving that traditional techniques can lead to effective solutions in modern contexts.
