maana homes architecture retreat — the art of earthen walls.

as part of the maana homes architecture retreat, we immersed ourselves in the art of traditional japanese earthen walls with kyoto research institute ——— an unhurried, intentional process of shaping and layering by hand, connecting with centuries-old techniques that weave and honour nature and craftsmanship.

the beauty of these walls is not only in their final form but in the rhythm of their making. a practice of patience and presence, of many hands working side by side —— learning from one another, sharing stories, laughter, and the simple joy of creating something meaningful.

there is something profound about working with our hands, shaping earth into form. guided by skilled craftsmen, we worked with natural materials —— earth, sand, straw, water —— understanding how they come together to form walls that breathe, age beautifully, and exist in harmony with their surroundings.

building has always meant more to me than just structure—it’s a language of storytelling, connection, and artistry, woven into my very being. it’s in my blood, passed down to my sisters and i through generations, a deep-rooted instinct to shape spaces that hold meaning. every wall, every texture, every detail carries a narrative—of heritage, craftsmanship, and the quiet dialogue between form and feeling. for me, architecture is not just about creating something beautiful. t’s about crafting spaces that hold memories, embrace presence, and feel like home.

it feels like part of a greater collective effort, a shared responsibility to honour and protect these ancient ways ——- to ensure they are not lost but carried forward, woven into the future with the same care and respect that shaped them for centuries.

maana homes’ retreats and residences are more than just spaces — they are living, breathing reflections of quiet luxury, where architecture and nature exist in perfect harmony. every detail tells a story of serenity, craftsmanship, and intentional design.

i am grateful to capture their beauty and share their essence.

and now, a piece of my journey lives on in our home. the artwork i shaped during the workshop, is a daily reminder of slowness, craftsmanship, and the beauty of creating with care. it holds the memory of my time, the feeling of the earth between my fingers, and a deep appreciation for the traditions that continue to inspire. wherever we are in the world, there is something universal about building with the earth —-— something timeless in these sustainable, handcrafted ways that connect us to place, to history, and to one another.

through my lens, i sought to capture the essence of this retreat—a quiet, thoughtful immersion into the soul of japanese design, where every material, every line, every shadow carries the weight of intention.

architecture musings that flow between japan, morocco, and beyond.
sarah jessica marie burns x