luigi rosselli constructs the great wall of WA using rammed earth

luigi rosselli constructs the great wall of WA using rammed earth in australia
photography by edward birch

embedding architecture into its surrounding context, luigi rosselli architects have created twelve residences, each enclosed by rammed earth extracted locally from sandy clay and gravel. named ‘the great wall of WA’ this distinctive formation is the longest rammed earth wall in australia and measures at a length of 230 meters. meandering along the edge of a sand dune, the wall seamlessly holds the a compact home used as short term accommodation for a cattle station during the mustering season.

twelve residences are enclosed by rammed earth extracted locally

merging into its copper-toned landscape, the construction used the iron-rich clay with gravel obtained from the river and then bonded with the water taken from the local bore hole. the serrated form of the scheme is composed of a 450mm thick rammed earth façade, with the sand dune merging and forming the roofs. this earthly construction has provided the residences with highly efficient thermal mass, enabled the space to be naturally cooled in the subtropical climate.

each presented with its own front garden and porch, the project shies away from the typical sun-baked, corrugated shelters seen often in the area and experiments with a different approach of constructing a comfortable, design aware living space.

due to its unique construction the house has efficient thermal mass

the bathroom

a veranda covers the porch

the scheme is composed with a 450mm thick rammed earth façade, with the sand dune forming the roofs

the roof is made from cor-ten steel sheets, forming an oblique cone and culminating with a skylight in the apex

the pavilion at the top is the multi-functional hub, meeting room and chapel

gold anodized aluminum sheets line the ceiling of the ‘chapel’

cyclonic rated, curved sliding windows can close the pavilion to protect its interior from dust storms

the project is selected as a finalist in the (australian institute of architects) western australia architecture awards

aeriel view

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project info:

location: north western australia

design architect: luigi rosselli

project architects: kristina sahlestrom, edward birch, david mitchell

interior designer: sarah foletta 
builder: jaxon construction
structural consultant: pritchard francis  
environmental consultant: floyd energy