A house constructed from compacted earth in the vicinity of Brasília blends ancient construction techniques with modern design aesthetics.
In the Lago Sul district, south of Brasília, lies Casa Taipa, a unique residence that seamlessly blends modern design with traditional construction methods. The architecture studio responsible for this remarkable home is based in Brasília and is run by three directors: Valéria Gontijo, Isabela Moura, and Isabela Valença.
Casa Taipa is the first of four residences to be built for the same family within this estate. The bedroom wing, a standout feature, is reached through a glass walkway, with a roof made from biribá slats and walls screened with timber. The walls in this wing have opening panels that moderate light and privacy, opening onto a landscape designed by Ana Paula Roseo.
The bedroom wing and the landscape design of Casa Taipa were created by Ana Paula Roseo. The interiors of Casa Taipa feature rammed earth, granite flooring, reclaimed wood joinery, and latticework screens made from the local biribá tree. The kitchen is a focal point in Casa Taipa, with the house being described as a place for receiving and celebrating.
Rammed-earth construction, the technique used in Casa Taipa, is an ancient building technique that has been used globally for centuries. It involves compacting a damp mixture of soil, sand, gravel, and sometimes cement into sturdy walls through successive layers pressed into formwork. This technique has been popular in various ancient cultures and is experiencing a modern revival due to its sustainability and natural aesthetic.
The method's enduring presence highlights its practicality and regional adaptability. Sustainability is one of its key advantages, as it uses local, abundant natural materials, reducing embodied carbon emissions compared to conventional construction methods. Thermal performance is another advantage, as thick rammed earth walls provide excellent thermal mass, stabilizing indoor temperatures and controlling humidity naturally, which can reduce heating and cooling energy by up to 60%.
When combined with modern additives like cement, calcium carbide residue, or fly ash, rammed earth walls become stronger and more weather-resistant. The aesthetic appeal of rammed earth is distinct, with its layered texture and earth tones reflecting the layering process, creating a natural, organic look that cannot be replicated by other materials.
Casa Taipa demonstrates a rigour and clarity of form despite the ancient methods used. The house covers 620 sq m and is set within a small private estate. Accommodation is divided between two wings, linked by a glazed walkway. The kitchen, dining area, and living room form a single space in one of the wings. In addition to a primary suite and substantial closet, there's also a guest suite in Casa Taipa, which doubles up as a media room when the owners are on their own.
The rammed-earth construction process is centuries old and relies on knowledge passed down by skilled practitioners. Casa Taipa is named for its rammed-earth construction method, known as taipa in Portugal. The process creates a strong association with the local landscape and offers high levels of thermal and acoustic performance.
In its simplest form, rammed-earth construction uses large wooden moulds into which raw earth is compacted. This technique has been used in Portugal and Brasília for sustainable residential projects, often reflecting a fusion of traditional methods with modern design aesthetics.
In conclusion, Casa Taipa is a testament to the enduring appeal of rammed-earth construction, a technique that offers sustainability, thermal performance, durability, aesthetic appeal, and low maintenance. This modern home in Brasília showcases the fusion of ancient methods with contemporary design, creating a unique living space that is both practical and beautiful.
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[2] "Casa Taipa: A Modern Home Built with Ancient Techniques in Brasília." (2021). ArchDaily. [Online]. Available: https://www.archdaily.com/970799/casa-taipa-a-modern-home-built-with-ancient-techniques-in-brasilia
[3] "Rammed Earth Homes: Sustainable, Energy-Efficient, and Timeless." (2021). TreeHugger. [Online]. Available: https://www.treehugger.com/sustainable-product-design/rammed-earth-homes-sustainable-energy-efficient-and-timeless-5093631
[4] "Rammed Earth Architecture: A Comprehensive Guide." (2020). Green Building Elements. [Online]. Available: https://www.greenbuildingelements.com/rammed-earth-architecture-comprehensive-guide/
[5] "Rammed Earth Construction: History, Benefits, and Examples." (2021). EcoBuild. [Online]. Available: https://ecobuild.co.uk/rammed-earth-construction-history-benefits-and-examples/
The bedroom wing and landscape design of Casa Taipa, as well as its interior design, were all created by Ana Paula Roseo. Casa Taipa, a modern home in Brasília, showcases a fusion of ancient rammed-earth construction techniques with contemporary design, creating a unique living space that reflects a lifestyle rooted in home-and-garden and interior-design sustainability.
