Permanence, often equated with enduring materials like concrete, undergoes critical examination in the studio’s analysis of the Maison Domino, reevaluating contemporary sensibilities a century later. Despite its historical precedence, Wattle and Daub’s decline stemmed from its temporal nature and perceived inferiority to steel in modern architecture. However, the project challenges this notion, proposing that the cultural and generational continuity inherent in techniques like wattle and daub embodies true permanence, transcending mere material durability. Through the exploration of Bioshotcrete and the utilization of wood offcuts for wattle, the design explores a redefined concept of natural architecture. By embracing the cyclical nature of permanence, beyond physical longevity, the project’s curved facade system symbolizes this holistic understanding. It signifies that true permanence resides not just in materials but in the enduring legacy of cultural practices and their adaptive evolution over time. Thus, the project prompts a reconsideration of what it means to achieve lasting architectural significance in a world shaped by both tradition and innovation.
