The Great Wall of WA - Exterior

Set in rural West Australia, this 12 roomed temporary housing provides dwelling for seasonal employees who come to herd cattle off its open ranch. Since, this subterranean dwelling sits behind the longest compacted earth, the architects named this "The Great Wall of WA".

Typical architectural language of such facilities is a shelter made of thin corrugated facade, however, the architects used the oldest construction materials of rammed earth with its facade zigzagging with a thickness of 18" so that the rooms can remain cool. The materials are natural from the red clay mixed together with gravel from the adjacent river bed and local water. The zigzagging form was to provide privacy and shade from the neighbors.