About the design

Small Earth design and build rammed earth structures using technology devised by Iranian architect Nader Khalili.

Known as Super Adobe this form of building allows for the creation of earth domes which are environmentally friendly, ecologically sound, versatile, affordable, flood, fire and earthquake resistant with brilliant sound and thermal insulation.

Small Earth provides supportive and sustainable environments for communities around the world through the creative use of elemental materials and the application of Permaculture inspired thinking.

From conception to delivery our projects leave a legacy of landmark buildings beautifully integrated into sustainable and productive landscaped spaces.

In October 2009 Small Earth was approached by Hounslow Heath Infants’ School in West London, UK to build an outside play dome as part of a British Airport Authority (BAA) noise attenuation scheme.

The school is directly under the flight path of Heathrow's southern runway and outside play for the children is dominated by ear-deafening interruptions every 2 minutes as landing aircraft pass a few hundred feet over their heads.

Sound tests inside the semi-underground dome showed a noise reduction of over 17 decibels and a considerable reduction in the duration of the noise event.

Work commenced in June 2010 and expanded to provide a contoured playscape for the 704 children.