Earth for People: FA BUT Architects Build an Unconventional Columbarium in Mořice
Architects from the Faculty of Architecture at Brno University of Technology (FA BUT) have, in collaboration with the local municipality and volunteers, built an unconventional, double-sided columbarium at the cemetery in Mořice. The structure was realised during a series of summer schools and workshops using the traditional technique of rammed earth. The architects processed local soil directly on-site, compacting it into a columbarium with thirty niches. The process—from design to construction—took four years and is the result of research, education, and most importantly, a demonstration of cooperation between students and teachers of FA BUT with residents and interest groups.
The unique structure was both designed and built using a traditional material that is experiencing a revival in contemporary architecture. The columbarium is a significant output of the project Earth for People: Ecological and Economically Sustainable Community Buildings from Unfired Earth. The structure was designed by student Jan Peřina under the supervision of academic staff.
“A key challenge was to differentiate the columbarium from the cemetery wall. Without careful design, it could easily be mistaken for fencing or another purposeless wall. To clearly distinguish it, the columbarium rises above the surrounding wall and, crucially, is left unplastered, creating a strong visual contrast with the white background,” explained architect Jan Peřina.
Traditional Material, Contemporary Application
The atypical design incorporated theoretical insights from prior research, expanded through summer schools and participatory workshops. Rammed earth, a traditional technique, is gaining prominence again. During the summer school focused on rammed-earth construction, university specialists selected an optimal local soil type based on lab testing. The core architectural idea was to allow the natural ageing of the material to play a visible role in the final design. Since each side of the columbarium faces different weather conditions, each was expected to age uniquely. In conventional construction, ageing is typically undesirable and addressed through plaster or surface treatments.
“Erosion of exposed rammed earth is primarily caused by water flowing down the walls, washing away surface material. This erosion slows when embedded stones emerge and interrupt the flow of water, causing it to drip to the ground instead of continuing down the surface. Over time, this natural process essentially halts the erosion,” added Jan Peřina.
The project was a joint effort involving FA BUT students and educators, residents, volunteers, and interest groups. The on-site work spanned several years and became a true example of community-based construction. People of different generations, professions, and backgrounds participated—from children to seniors, and both local and international contributors. The Day Services Centre of Vyškov Charity also took part.
As part of the university’s “third role” in social engagement, the project placed strong emphasis on internationalisation and inclusivity. It proved not only feasible but valuable to collaborate with diverse groups across gender, age, language, and culture to create sustainable, meaningful architecture. All elements of the Earth for People research were integrated into this single, unified work.
“One of the main goals of the project was to study community-based construction. During the columbarium’s creation, we formed workgroups that brought together people who might never otherwise meet. The friendships formed, the personal connections to the place, purpose, and structure itself, are just as important as the completed building,” said lead project investigator Zdeněk Vejpustek.
Technology with an Environmental Benefit
The construction process employed so-called green technologies with a focus on sustainability and available technical means. The project helped raise awareness about environmentally friendly building materials and the potential of community construction. Feedback and experience also appeared in students’ final theses and teaching.
Until now, the village of Mořice, with about 500 residents, had no columbarium. The new structure not only expands options for dignified remains placement but also illustrates the benefits of partnerships between municipalities and academic institutions.
“What began as a request to a young architect to design a columbarium in a historicist style evolved into a timeless design with a profound concept. There were many unknowns at first, but thanks to the great collaboration between BUT, the municipality, and volunteers, we overcame them. The columbarium is modern, yet respectful of tradition and ecology, a tribute to ancestors and the value of honest craftsmanship. This fusion of tradition and modern methods is characteristic of Mořice,” said Mayor Tomáš Pavelka.
Education, Research, and Practice Under One Roof
The columbarium was developed entirely under the leadership of FA BUT—from the initial design to the final construction. The faculty handled all stages, including design, planning, permitting, and realisation. Students and faculty from the Faculty of Civil Engineering also participated in parts of the project. The work unites all three missions of the university: education, research, and social engagement.
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