In the quiet village of Ouirgane, a movement toward sustainable and traditional construction is taking shape. While it may seem like a small outpost, this village is at the forefront of a revival in earthen architecture. Spearheading this transformation is Khalil Morad El Ghilali, a visionary architect who is determined to bring back the age-old techniques of rammed earth construction.
His ambitious project aims to build 200 homes across a seven-hectare site, with each house spanning between 75 and 100 square meters.
El Ghilali is a passionate advocate of this form of architecture, a method that has long been used in Morocco to construct iconic Kasbahs. Though there are differing opinions within the architectural community about the resilience of these structures in modern climates, the growing concern over climate change has reignited interest in this technique. Using natural materials such as soil and stone, which are readily available in the region, significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting building materials over long distances.
One of the key benefits of rammed earth construction lies in its high thermal mass. The thick, 50-centimeter walls help regulate indoor temperatures, keeping the interiors cool during the day and gradually releasing absorbed heat at night. This passive temperature control makes the buildings energy-efficient, reducing reliance on artificial cooling and heating systems.
For El Ghilali, embracing earthen and stone-based construction is more than just an architectural preference—it is a way to reconnect with Morocco’s ancestral traditions and cultural heritage. However, for these techniques to become more widespread, especially in urban settings, innovative solutions are required to adapt them for taller and larger buildings. Cities with dense populations present unique challenges, but El Ghilali believes that incorporating traditional materials into modern urban design is the key to sustainable development.
His expertise and commitment to this cause have earned him and fellow architect El Mehdi Belyasmine a prestigious opportunity—they have won the competition to design the Moroccan Pavilion at the Venice Biennale. Their project, titled “Materiae Palimpsest,” will showcase the potential of earthen architecture on an international stage, emphasizing its relevance in contemporary urban planning.
The significance of these efforts is not lost on industry leaders. Chakib Benabdellah, President of the National Council of the Order of Architects and a jury member for the Biennale project, recognizes the global shift toward energy-efficient building techniques. According to 2022 data from the International Energy Agency (IEA), energy consumption in the building sector accounted for 26% of global carbon emissions. As a result, there is a growing push to explore materials that minimize environmental impact while enhancing energy efficiency.
Historically, earthen construction methods began to fade in favor of newer materials, driven by the need for rapid urbanization and mass production. However, as energy conservation and sustainability become pressing concerns, there is a resurgence in interest worldwide. Benabdellah notes that architects across the globe are revisiting traditional materials like earth and stone, adapting them with modern techniques to meet contemporary building standards.
Morocco itself is home to enduring examples of this architectural style. One such landmark is Rabat’s Hassan Tower, constructed in 1196 by Sultan Yacoub El Mansour of the Almohad dynasty. These historical structures remain vital today, demonstrating the durability and adaptability of earthen architecture. El Ghilali emphasizes that locally sourced materials harmonize with their surroundings, offering structural resilience and climate adaptability. While rammed earth is best suited for plains, regions rich in stone, such as mountainous areas, can rely on rock-based construction.
Despite the advantages of earthen architecture, wider adoption requires overcoming various obstacles, including regulatory approvals and technological advancements. Safety and environmental regulations in urban settings demand rigorous testing and validation of these construction methods. City planners and engineers must be assured of the structural integrity and efficiency of these buildings before large-scale implementation.
El Ghilali remains optimistic, arguing that fluctuating temperatures in Morocco’s mountainous regions will increase demand for these homes. By maintaining thermal comfort through natural materials, these designs can eliminate the need for energy-intensive air conditioning systems. He envisions a future where modernity and environmental responsibility coexist, ensuring that Morocco’s architectural identity is preserved while embracing contemporary needs.
The competition for the Moroccan Pavilion at the Venice Biennale was fierce, with several renowned architects submitting their projects. Benabdellah acknowledges the challenge in selecting the winning design, as each submission had to adhere to strict criteria. Ultimately, El Ghilali and Belyasmine’s proposal stood out for its ability to merge sustainability with cultural authenticity.
For El Ghilali, this opportunity at the Biennale is about more than just showcasing his work—it is about shifting perceptions. He seeks to demonstrate that traditional materials, often dismissed as outdated or inferior, have a place in the future of architecture. Through “Materiae Palimpsest,” he hopes to challenge the notion that progress necessitates the abandonment of historical techniques. Instead, he argues that the solutions for sustainable living have always been within reach, embedded in the very landscapes where civilizations have thrived for centuries.
Beyond his architectural projects, El Ghilali is committed to passing down these traditional techniques. He runs a training center in the village of Tahannaout, where he educates craftsmen on blending modern innovation with time-honored construction methods. By equipping artisans with the knowledge and skills to work with earth and stone, he is ensuring that these sustainable building techniques continue to flourish for generations to come.
As global discussions on climate change and sustainable living intensify, Morocco’s return to earthen architecture serves as a compelling case study. El Ghilali’s work underscores the importance of merging tradition with innovation, proving that the past holds valuable lessons for the future. With increasing recognition from both national and international platforms, this revival in earthen architecture is poised to play a crucial role in shaping Morocco’s built environment for years to come.
