Adapting fabrication methods for rammed earth blocks to suit local conditions, this approach uses two types of designed blocks to shape the exterior façade
Around one-third of the global population lives in earth-based homes— an inherently sustainable method of construction. Yet the construction industry remains responsible for 8–10% of global CO� emissions, underscoring the need for greener alternatives.
“Tuning Earth Construction” explores adaptable mould systems for rammed earth blocks, from low-tech fabric forms to high-tech robotic sand moulds. Designed to optimize assembly and performance based on local conditions. As a case study, the research focuses on improving thermal behaviour in the Middle Eastern climate.
The project demonstrates how earth, as a natural material, can be customized through design to respond to diverse contexts. Two prototypes are presented: one high-tech, using bespoke blocks for maximum performance, and a medium-tech version using a single, multi-orientable block type.
Aligned blocks, where the joints serve as the overlapp between blocks
Aligned blocks with adjustable angle
block type 2– bespoke rigid 3D printed moulds with adaptable sand mould
connection to hoover
A costomized end effector was manufactured for the U-10 robot. The metal tube carves the sand while the hoover extracts excessive sand.
steel tube with a sharp tip
tool path in grasshopper
3D printed end effector
The influence of globalization has often led architecture to address local issues using global methods, such as the widespread adoption of concrete. This trend results in a homogenization of architectural approaches worldwide. However, various regions require different facade treatments based on their specific radiation values, highlighting the need for context-sensitive design rather than onesize-fits-all solutions.
Israel, Beer Sheva
Sweden, Kloten
New Zealand, Nelson Marlborough
Testing the impact of self- shading on heat transfer
Hypothesis
External geometry that creates shading and reduces external surface will slow down the heat transfer process.
Manufacturing
Three sections of walls containing the same thermal mass.
Procedure
1. Three wall types were produced: flat, vertically shaded, and grid-shaded.
2. Each was placed in an insulated box.
3. Thermometers were set in the exterior space, inside the box, and on the interior surface; a thermal camera measured the exterior surface. Data was collected every 10 minutes.
4. A 1000W stage lamp simulated afternoon sun (14:00–18:00) on a west-facing façade in southern Israel, positioned at 275° azimuth and 75° latitude.
5. For nighttime simulation, the lamp was turned off for four hours.
The wall is not saturated.
start end of "daytime" end of "nightime"
Light source is turned on for at least 5 hours. The blocks are storing the heat and are saturated. The blocks are fully saturated.
vertical wall maintains a lower interior temperature, slowing down heat transfer by 9.4% to 10.5%.
4 types of blocks
8 types of blocks
Bespoke, every block
Design considerations–exposure, minimal surface area, and aesthetic appeal.
block type 1– standard house
block type 2– bespoke house
block type 1– standard
block type 2– bespoke
2 Printed Facade
Clay printing
Exploring the limitation and potential of 3D printed elements in architectual design
Initial testing revealed the visual boundaries of the design, highlighting the differences in appearance between PLA printing and the adjustments required in clay printing to achieve a similar aesthetic. The tool paths of the prints were quite prominent, but a simple design manipulation—creating vertical paths—helped blur and soften their visibility.
Next, a test explored how parametric clay-printed “tiled” elements could form a façade system that reduces direct sunlight. In this system, the openings vary in width based on solar radiation intensity: as radiation increases, the X-shaped elements feature narrower openings to provide greater shading.
blurring horizontal lines in 3D printing
base
3 D-Mars habitat roof
work research
Researching the right roof to attach to the Mars habitat involves finding a lightweight option for ease of travel, a strong material to withstand sandstorms, and a barrier against radiation.
Nowadays there are 11 simulators around the world conducting research for the next Mars mission, one of them is situated in the south of Israel in Ramon crater. Building on Mars challenges our way of thinking about the built environment, as the new atmosphere sets different limitations and rules. One of the main challenges was building a lightweight roof that could be filled on-site with Mars soil. The soil would prevent radiation from penetrating the habitat.
air tubes and soil tubes
inflatable
inflatable dome
inflatable dome with a spiral tube with soil
folded structure with inflatable pillows
air tubes with scales to insert soil
4
Dynamic
Bench Design & Build
The parametric bench offers a variety of uses, giving individuals control over the character of their space.
Inspired by a wooden rocking chair, the dynamic bench sets new rules on the interaction between humans and objects. The swaying motion of the rocking chair expands the spatial grids of its design. We will probably never walk in complete proximity to an object therefore, our perception of the size of the object in space refers to its physical size along with our “intimate” distance from it.
The final product gives one a variety of opportunities to resize the object while managing to control and reduce the “intimate” space. While the rocking chair determines our movement in space, the bench reverses the relationship. It becomes " parametric”, influenced by human movement in space.
disassembled parts assembly
1person
ski
4people
the suitability of bench variations may vary based on the number of people, ranging from individuals to groups of up to four
2people
3people
5 Juvenile Factory
Conceptual design
Situated on the vibrant Vegas strip, the conference building is designed to evoke a sense of childhood wonder and foster creativity, courage, and playfulness in adults. The structure. Materiality and the character of the spaces are inspired by our fondest memories of youth.
Inspired by the form of a concrete factory which can also seem like an amusement park, the project creates a bridge between childhood and adulthood. As we grow older, and our responsibilities become the main worries in life, we lose our sense of playfulness, courage, and creativity. The leading companies of the world, such as Google and Facebook, have learned to establish work environments that are detached from social conventions and create spaces that stimulate creative thinking.
Juvenile Factory aims to create a similar effect, though its building features rely on our favorite spaces from our childhood memories with adult mind interpretation. The project is a congress hall on Las Vegas main street (The Strip), a place that blurs generations and allows a respite from reality.
this is me, hila, dreaming of a fun and magical place..
when I was young, I imagined that the cement factory close to my house is a thrilling amusement park situating
the building on Las Vegas strip
the choice of materials is inspired by our favorite childhood spaces topography
love for nature
obstacle course
speed & adventure word games
tree house
hide & seek
dynamic spaces
6 Lightweight Column
Wood bending
Exploring wood bending techniques to enhance strength while preserving lightweight architectural elements
Hands-on testing was conducted on ash wood beams before and after bending. The timber beams were standardized, bent to 45 degrees at the center and 22.5 degrees at the edges. Each beam was then processed by drilling and filleting the edges to fit precisely with the joint system.
At the center, a flexible knot joint was used to accommodate variations in the wood’s springback. In contrast, the edges featured rigid joints to ensure structural strength. The overall system has the potential to be prefabricated off-site and assembled on-site, enabling possibilities for placemaking, community involvement in construction, and adaptable architectural applications.
In collaboration with Matias Ramirez and Jawad Soueid.
column kit
knot as a flexable joint
threads as rigid joint
tower open in top | stress test 100 kg
open top stress test
ring at rop stress test
cables in structure stress test
open top displacement 200kg
7 Light-fall Cloud
Art inslation
This project proposes a site-specific light installation for the central atrium—known as the “light-fall”—of the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, designed by Preston Scott Cohen.
Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Guggenheim, the building challenges the traditional “white box” gallery through complex geometry, non-linear circulation, and dynamic use of natural light. Our research explored these architectural strategies to inform a responsive installation: a parametric “cloud” of LED lights that shifts its patterns based on the viewer’s position. Each perspective reveals a different visual experience, making the interaction personal and ever-changing. In collaboration with Guy Bloomenfeld.
Tel Aviv museum
"Cloud"
section A
various patterns of LED lights for each point of view
8 Parcel X
Urban design
Parcel X offers a unique opportunity to disconnect from the urban grid and shift towards an agricultural urban grid. The type of agriculture and the frequency of cultivating the plot will determine the density and form of construction, ranging from flexible mobile structures to more permanent ones.
By the year 2050, 80% of the world’s population will live in large cities. The cities will become denser, more expensive, and create further strain on their infrastructure. Parcel X proposes an alternative lifestyle, thereby disconnecting from the urban grid and shifting towards an agricultural dynamic field. In this approach, the growth of agriculture can proceed, and the peripheral character of living will not be compromised.
Construction will appear along the contour of each plot. A script that distinguishes the type of agriculture and the frequency of processing the plot, establishes a set of rules which will determine the approved density and the form of construction. The new settlements will use the nearby countryside town as a basecamp to “refuel” and receive their building kits. Plot X enables a flexible, communal, and sustainable way of life.
chickpea
Bnei reem Kedron
Brurim
C&D waste recycling plant
cotton
milk box
pallet
suntuf factory
polythene sheeting
metal factory
bales of hay
9 Sky Port City Transportation building
Located in a canyon in Israel's desert, the project features an eVTOL airport and a center for flight education.
The Skyport City is designed for various types of eVTOL aircraft. The complex features a flight education center, landing areas, a repair and storage facility, and a visitor center. The roof is designed to follow the shape of the dry riverbed, made up of triangular solar panels. It hovers over the buildings, creating a floating, bird-like form above the functional spaces. This separation between the roof and the buildings is intended to improve airflow and reduce noise, helping to avoid disturbing the nearby town. Further research is needed to confirm these environmental effects.
landing pad
construction in a valley programme
floating roof
building's façade facing the city
solar panels to in different sizes to insert light
