Ornament and performance of earth

Resource scarcity, together with the pursuit of frugality and efficiency, often leads to stripped-back, raw or even standardised architectural environments. Could ornament also enhance the hygrothermal performance of earthen materials, and in doing so reclaim its place in the architecture of tomorrow?

Ornament and the Performance of Earth was produced as part of the FAIRE 2021 architectural research programme. Led by Atelier Aïno, and in particular Elise Giordano, Charlotte Lovera and Louise Dubois, the research also brought together the expertise of amàco, Cycle Terre and Les Grands Ateliers.

Focusing on unstabilised compressed earth blocks (CEBs)—a low-carbon material requiring neither cement nor firing—the project explored the opportunities offered by this material for buildings in the Paris region, supported by industrial-scale production at the Cycle Terre manufacturing facility in Sevran.

Atelier Franck Boutté developed the thermal diagrams and environmental performance graphics used to assess the carbon impact of each ornamental configuration.

Across both projects and research, the Atelier investigates how material choices can optimise carbon emissions, indoor and outdoor comfort, and the long-term quality of use of buildings and urban environments.