The renovation of the world famous Sedlec Ossuary  was partially given to a young and ambitious group of architects - RCNKSK architekti - who take a very sensitive approach with deep respect of the existing structure.

The consequence was to incorporate earth as a building material and thus rammed earth as the technique, a beautiful and archaic expression.

Collaboratorio has renovated their office space in Kapteeninkatu, Helsinki with natural and less processed materials.
In collaboration with Vihdin Betoni and Hanno Burtscher Earthman they managed to make the first rammed earth floor (using Finnish clay, sand and stones) in Helsinki. The walls are clay painted and new partitions clay plastered. Furniture is hand made from wood and iron.

A clear statement to prove the vision of collaboratorio architects!

My brother, who has been living in Paraguay for the last 9 years, urged me to build a living space on the 22nd floor and an office space for his company... with a lot of earth.

The result is breathtaking!

To create a space to honor the past, bring into close conscious where we are at the present moment and to spotlight visionary ideas which have the potential to create a bright future where life as we know it today is coexisting in equilibrium.

The Cultural Center will provide for a wide range of activities serving the local population and becoming a cultural landmark on both a regional, national and global horizon. When completed, the project will contain diverse cultural facilities, including an auditorium, cinema, library, exhibition hall, museum and archive.

Rammed earth has been chosen to create a link between the ancient construction material - earth - which was used in most parts of Saudi Arabia until the seventies, but got replaced with concrete buildings.

The rammed earth elements in this project show up how sophisticated an ancient technique can be shaped.

The dimensions of the earth walls are impressive.