These ‘dome homes' made from soil mix tradition and innovation
Founder Youness Ouazri came across the rich tradition of earthen construction while traveling around Morocco and decided to adapt it to modern technologies. Each home built by Eco-dôme is unique, starting with an analysis of the soil composition to determine its suitability for construction. Small amounts of lime or cement can be added, and thermal simulation models are used to determine the optimal thickness of the walls for energy efficiency.
Eco-dôme homes are constructed faster than standard homes and cost between $247 and $445 per square meter, depending on the soil and site. The use of local soil eliminates the need to transport materials, reducing costs. The company employs different techniques, including the ‘superadobe’ method developed by Iranian-American architect Nader Khalili in the 1980s.
Since completing its first home in 2017, Eco-dôme has built over 100 domes across 40 sites, including a 2,700-square-foot cultural center in a harsh climate. The company’s clients include landowners interested in eco-friendly homes, investors in rural tourism, and local authorities for infrastructure projects.
Eco-dôme plans to expand to other countries, starting with Algeria and the Ivory Coast. The project has received $300,000 in investments and currently employs 17 people. Youssef El Ganadi, a professor of architecture, praises Eco-dôme for its sustainable and affordable approach but notes a limited uptake due to the cultural preference for concrete homes. He also questions the earthquake resistance of the superadobe domes, although Ouazri states that the buildings comply with local construction regulations and have withstood earthquakes in the past.
Ouazri believes that attitudes towards earthen construction are changing, and with proper maintenance, Eco-dôme’s domes can last indefinitely, highlighting the durability of earthen materials compared to industrialized ones.