Group Member: Yuxin Chen & Yufan Jiang
This project explores the potential of compressed earth blocks as an experimental architectural material infused with organic waste additives.
Inspired by the textured earthen surfaces of the Beijing Teahouse by Kooo Architects, the research began with testing different types of tea leaves and later expanded to include coffee grounds and plant fibers as additional material components.
Through a series of hand-crafted molds and compression tests, the study investigates how these organic materials influence the color, texture, density, strength, and tactile qualities of soil bricks.
Beyond material testing, the project also explored the architectural application of the bricks through the fabrication of a full-scale 1:1 prototype and a 1:4 mock-up model. These models were used to study brick geometries, assembly methods, and the spatial and atmospheric potential of the material as an interior wall finish.
By combining waste materials with traditional earth construction techniques, the project examines new possibilities for sustainable material reuse while emphasizing the relationship between craft, material experimentation, and architectural atmosphere.