Mention at the Prix SIA Vaud 2024
Maquette de détail © EPFL / PDM J. Dias Pinto et M. Papi / T. Beuret
Joana Dias Pinto and Melinda Papi's master project, carried out at the Laboratory of Sustainable Architecture and Technologies (LAST), has been awarded a mention at the Prix SIA Vaud 2024. Entitled “From soil to rammed earth: developing a new raw earth complex in French-speaking Switzerland”, their work explores the potential use of raw earth in the Swiss context.
In the context of ecological transition, the use of geo-sourced materials is part of low-carbon architecture dynamics. Among these materials, adobe is currently attracting undeniable interest, although its specific characteristics need to be mastered before it can be put to practical use.
With this in mind, Joana Dias Pinto and Melinda Papi's work involved a cartographic, environmental and technical analysis of the various potentialities for the development of adobe in Switzerland, notably through in-depth investigations with players in the field. This was followed by the architectural development of a project tailored to a relevant site, located near La Tuilière in Préverenges (VD) and once home to brick and tile factories.
By integrating multiple urbanistic, programmatic, and technical issues, their architectural project proposes – in an exploratory manner – the transformation of an industrial hall into a new production center for prefabricated adobe elements, coupled with a raw-earth training center, a community center, and new public and landscaped spaces, to link and enrich the existing residential and industrial fabric.
The follow-up group of this master's project consisted of Prof. Emmanuel Rey (supervisor, LAST), Prof. Marilyne Andersen (professor, LIPID) and Clément Cattin (mentor, LAST).