Innovative Fusion of Tradition: The Rise of Earth Constructed Dome Homes
Discover the future of sustainable housing in Morocco, where an innovative startup is revolutionizing the construction industry with affordable dome homes made from eco-friendly soil Experience the perfect blend of tradition and innovation in these frugal yet stylish dwellings
A Moroccan startup is constructing cost-effective homes using a readily available material: soil.
Founded in 2016, Eco-dôme Maroc combines traditional methods with modern technology to build dome-shaped structures that are touted as being more affordable, environmentally friendly, and energy-efficient compared to traditional concrete houses.
Founder Youness Ouazri discovered a rich tradition of earthen construction used by previous generations while traveling around the country. "We took this existing know-how and adapted it to modern technologies to create an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and rapid concept," he tells CNN.
Every Eco-dôme home is one-of-a-kind. Upon receiving an order, the company begins by analyzing the soil composition on site to assess its suitability for construction. Small amounts of lime or cement may be incorporated for maximum performance, and thermal simulation models are utilized to determine the optimal thickness of the dome's walls. This ensures that it can absorb heat in the summer and release it in the winter, resulting in minimal energy usage for heating and cooling, and potentially none at all, according to Ouazri, a trained civil engineer.
He explains that eco-domes can be constructed much more quickly than traditional homes, with prices ranging from approximately 2,500 Moroccan dirhams ($247) to 4,500 dirhams ($445) per square meter and varying based on soil and location. Ouazri states that this can result in a one-third cost reduction compared to standard homes, largely due to the elimination of raw materials and associated logistics by using local soil. Eco-dômes utilizes various building techniques, including "superadobe" developed by Nader Khalili in the 1980s, which involves stacked polypropylene bags filled with soil, as well as wooden frames for rectangular floorplans.
An Eco-dôme building in northern Morocco.
Eco-dôme Morocco
The inaugural Eco-dôme was finished in 2017. According to Ouazri, "It was a 775-square-foot home nestled in a rural area close to Rabat, the capital of Morocco. It was constructed for a client who utilizes it as a vacation home."
Frugal innovation
Over 40 different sites have been the backdrop for the construction of more than 100 domes by the company. The largest dome, a 2,700-square-foot cultural center, is located in Agouim, 70 miles south-east of Marrakech, in an area with extreme climate variations from below freezing in winter to scorching hot in the summer.
The company, having received approximately $300,000 in investment and employing 17 individuals, caters to three main types of clients, according to Ouazri: landowners seeking to build eco-friendly primary or secondary homes, investors in rural and eco-tourism, and local authorities and communities requiring infrastructure for education and healthcare, such as schools. Eco-dôme is now expanding its operations to other countries, with a focus on Algeria and the Ivory Coast as its initial targets.
Youssef El Ganadi, a professor of architecture at the International University of Rabat, not associated with Eco-dôme, describes the project as an intriguing example of "frugal innovation" aimed at providing affordable housing for all social groups, while also being sustainable. He does note, however, that the cultural barrier has restricted the widespread adoption of these homes.
"In Morocco and North Africa, there is a prevailing desire for concrete homes, seen as modern and durable," he says. "This has restricted the project to a specific market, mainly attracting those with a strong environmental consciousness, particularly for second homes."
Ganadi also raises concerns about the earthquake resistance of superadobe domes. In September, Morocco experienced a destructive earthquake that resulted in the loss of nearly 3,000 lives.
Ouzrai notes that there is a gradual shift in attitudes and mentions that the Eco-dômes are constructed compliant with local regulations. He emphasizes that structures using superadobe or other earthen methods are able to withstand earthquakes, citing that four of their buildings were in close proximity to the earthquake's epicenter and remained standing. Ouzrai also highlights the durability of earth-based materials, stating that they outlast industrialized materials and pointing to ancient buildings in Morocco as examples. He further asserts that with proper upkeep, their domes can stand the test of time.
