angular green roof tops rammed earth cabin blending into the slovenian scenery

located in a slovenian flatland among a forest, the rammed earth house is topped by a green roof blending into the surrounding scenery. the project was formed by three architects: merve nur başer, aslı erdem, fatma zeyneb önsiper as part of a competition. the design concept of the cabin was developed by the traditional pitched roofs and their expanding windows, reinterpreting in a new way by experimenting with the rammed earth technique and the possibilities it offers.  all images courtesy of merve nur başer

the project took its cue from the pitched roofs of the surrounding buildings and the roof designed by slovenian architect oton jugovec. the lifted roof takes shape as a green canopy, blending the rammed earth house with the surrounding forest. as the area has both rainy and snowy days, it protects the rammed earth walls and covers them from water damage. in an attempt to merge traditional and modern techniques, the architects — merve nur başer, aslı erdem, fatma zeyneb önsiper —  tried experimental forms and materials, creating a holistic approach by building the house with rammed earth from the ground to the roof.

the slab and floors are made of concrete while concrete footings are used to create the foundation of the building. the oak timber material is used to build the deck, surrounding the building and interior furniture. the angular walls will be built by using timber frameworks filling with the rammed earth mixture and compressing. in the roof, cement can be added to increase stability if needed. meanwhile, the kitchen and the deck are located on the south façade with a panoramic window.

the roof is used as a shading element, overhanging towards the south façade, letting the winter rays in while blocking the strong summer sun. solar panels are located facing the south on the roof, to benefit from the sunny days of dobrava. on the north façade, windows are minimized to decrease heat loss while reflecting the bare aesthetics of the rammed earth. the living area is faced to the west with a large window, framing the forest and carrying the outer natural atmosphere inside.

the users can watch the sunset both from the living and the sleeping area. the living area is designed as simply as possible to give flexibility for its users. the fireplace is located at the northwest corner, creating a gathering point. users can experience the rest of the house (kitchen, living area, the fireplace) from the bedroom. therefore, they can watch the stars while in bed and they can see the first rays of light coming from the east, inserting the popped window without losing any privacy.

project info:

name: the rammed earth house: from traditional to experimental
designer: merve nur başer-aslı erdem-fatma zeyneb önsiper

location: dobrava, slovenia

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina petridou | designboom