1+X pattern system with straw panels
Basic information
Project Title
1+X pattern system with straw panels
Full project title
Development of the 1+X modular system with technology solutions and straw utilisation research
Category
Shaping a circular industrial ecosystem and supporting life-cycle thinking
Project Description
Our project got inspiration from the “re-building Ukraine” challenge, where we wanted to create a building system from locally available materials. The 1+X pattern system combines straw, centuries-old building material with a pattern system to create sustainable structures with a smaller environmental footprint. The modular system can be industrially produced and allows architectural freedom. The 1+X system bridges history and innovation, forging an eco-conscious architectural future.
Geographical Scope
National
Project Region
Estonia
Urban or rural issues
It addresses urban-rural linkages
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
EU Programme or fund
No
Description of the project
Summary
The aim of our project is to develop a low-carbon modular pattern building system. The idea is based on five different keywords: using straw as a sustainable building material, implementing a pattern system, designing through circular economy and energy efficiency, and integrating different professions in our workflow. The modular system can be industrially produced which reduces the resources needed to realise a building project, i.e. time, energy and material consumption. We see that the idea has a high potential for the further development of the building sector to make it more sustainable, aesthetic and inclusive.
Our idea integrates straw building panels and modular building system. The name of our project 1+X indicates that the pattern to be created will be based on two types of modules: 1 refers to a technical module and X to an indefinite amount of space modules. Both are from environmentally friendly, renewable and recyclable materials. The modular building solution will consist of different standard elements, allowing the design of buildings of different sizes, purposes and appearances within the same system. The modules are sized to be as compact as possible for transport, but large enough to be built quickly. The digital configurator to be developed will allow us to calculate the quantity of materials, the associated carbon footprint and the approximate production cost. It will also be used by customers to help visualise the design.
Our target group is both the private client (including people sensitive to indoor climate) who want to build a beautiful, aesthetic and comfortable home, and also the public sector which could benefit from building larger scale sustainable and modular buildings. Our aim is to also focus on countries in crisis, such as Ukraine, Pakistan, Turkey, and through the created system help to rebuild destroyed housing.
Our idea integrates straw building panels and modular building system. The name of our project 1+X indicates that the pattern to be created will be based on two types of modules: 1 refers to a technical module and X to an indefinite amount of space modules. Both are from environmentally friendly, renewable and recyclable materials. The modular building solution will consist of different standard elements, allowing the design of buildings of different sizes, purposes and appearances within the same system. The modules are sized to be as compact as possible for transport, but large enough to be built quickly. The digital configurator to be developed will allow us to calculate the quantity of materials, the associated carbon footprint and the approximate production cost. It will also be used by customers to help visualise the design.
Our target group is both the private client (including people sensitive to indoor climate) who want to build a beautiful, aesthetic and comfortable home, and also the public sector which could benefit from building larger scale sustainable and modular buildings. Our aim is to also focus on countries in crisis, such as Ukraine, Pakistan, Turkey, and through the created system help to rebuild destroyed housing.
Key objectives for sustainability
With this project, we want to set an example for environmentally friendly construction through a modular building system. Today, when CO2 quotas and electricity prices are growing and the world is struggling with climate change, we are still building mainly with concrete and steel - materials with a high carbon footprint and non-renewable resources. To create a sustainable built environment, we need to use recyclable and renewable materials that minimise energy consumption and waste.
Therefore, for this project, we will mainly use two materials - wood and straw. As both are biogenic materials, it also makes the building a carbon bank. By building with natural materials, we would save several hundred kilograms of carbon emissions in the production of artificial materials. It would also promote principles of circular economy as straw could be used as fertiliser when it is not needed in the construction anymore.
Modularity also reduces the resources needed to complete a building project, i.e. time, energy and material consumption. The project thus aims to combine and deploy several technologies to create a more valuable and environmentally friendly building. Through the project, our aim is to change the beliefs and standards of the building sector to be more environmentally friendly, create greater awareness of the opportunities of alternative methods of building and bring innovation by valorising available resources for construction.
Therefore, for this project, we will mainly use two materials - wood and straw. As both are biogenic materials, it also makes the building a carbon bank. By building with natural materials, we would save several hundred kilograms of carbon emissions in the production of artificial materials. It would also promote principles of circular economy as straw could be used as fertiliser when it is not needed in the construction anymore.
Modularity also reduces the resources needed to complete a building project, i.e. time, energy and material consumption. The project thus aims to combine and deploy several technologies to create a more valuable and environmentally friendly building. Through the project, our aim is to change the beliefs and standards of the building sector to be more environmentally friendly, create greater awareness of the opportunities of alternative methods of building and bring innovation by valorising available resources for construction.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
Our project is dedicated to redefining construction, prioritising both speed and comfort. We're focused on providing exceptional indoor environments and the flexibility to modify buildings by adding or removing modules to maximise space utilisation. Our vision revolves around crafting modular building designs adaptable to diverse environments and community needs.
Our structures embody sustainability, adaptability, versatility, and accommodating cultural preferences and various community requirements. We aim to create buildings that are not only functional but also visually pleasing, reflecting the local culture by promoting use of local material.
The construction features a timber frame and innovative straw insulation, a historical yet environmentally friendly material. Straw offers excellent acoustic and thermal insulation, contributing to a comfortable indoor climate. To emphasise the aesthetic aspect, we showcase the inner structure of the modules.
Our goal is to make construction faster, smarter, and environmentally conscious, reducing our ecological footprint while ensuring both comfort and functionality. Beyond construction, our project serves as a social tool, fostering community involvement and cooperation in building. We believe in the power of collective efforts to enhance understanding and support among community members.
Our structures embody sustainability, adaptability, versatility, and accommodating cultural preferences and various community requirements. We aim to create buildings that are not only functional but also visually pleasing, reflecting the local culture by promoting use of local material.
The construction features a timber frame and innovative straw insulation, a historical yet environmentally friendly material. Straw offers excellent acoustic and thermal insulation, contributing to a comfortable indoor climate. To emphasise the aesthetic aspect, we showcase the inner structure of the modules.
Our goal is to make construction faster, smarter, and environmentally conscious, reducing our ecological footprint while ensuring both comfort and functionality. Beyond construction, our project serves as a social tool, fostering community involvement and cooperation in building. We believe in the power of collective efforts to enhance understanding and support among community members.
Key objectives for inclusion
Our system offers a cost-effective solution for constructing diverse environments, ranging from large social buildings to smaller homes. Factory production ensures low cost and construction quality, prefabrication creates the expectation that standardised building systems will also reduce the cost of construction in the future. The availability of raw materials such as wood and straw also adds to the cost-effectiveness.
As an exemplary project, we've designed a concept for SOS children's villages in a small Ukrainian town, responding to the needs of children affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This innovative design prioritises the well-being of individuals with special needs. At the core of the building, a module combines technical and wet rooms to streamline on-site assembly, ensuring a swift and safe process.
The circular layout of the building creates a dynamic and accessible space, eliminating dead ends to accommodate individuals with reduced mobility. Wide corridors and spacious bathrooms, with centrally placed baths for disabled individuals, contribute to a holistic approach to design and accessibility.
As an exemplary project, we've designed a concept for SOS children's villages in a small Ukrainian town, responding to the needs of children affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This innovative design prioritises the well-being of individuals with special needs. At the core of the building, a module combines technical and wet rooms to streamline on-site assembly, ensuring a swift and safe process.
The circular layout of the building creates a dynamic and accessible space, eliminating dead ends to accommodate individuals with reduced mobility. Wide corridors and spacious bathrooms, with centrally placed baths for disabled individuals, contribute to a holistic approach to design and accessibility.
How Citizens benefit
In addition to serving private clients, our goal is to extend our focus to countries facing crises, such as Ukraine, Pakistan, and Turkey. Through our innovative system, we aim to contribute to the reconstruction of housing in these regions. For instance, Ukraine currently hosts more than 2,800,000 internally displaced people due to the ongoing conflict. In the Zhytomyr oblast, which Estonia is committed to supporting, there are 70,929 displaced individuals, including 20,016 children. To achieve our mission, we are determined to reach our target groups at the local, regional, and European levels.
As the pattern building system gives the freedom to create spaces that are flexible in their layout, it allows the building's design to be increased, decreased or completely redesigned as needed. The web-based configurator can act as a link between people looking for a new building and architects and engineers, to help visualise customers' wishes and needs. The created building system can also be implemented to create buildings with different typologies, purposes and appearances, such as a residential house, an SOS children's village, an office, a kindergarten, a refugee centre.
As the pattern building system gives the freedom to create spaces that are flexible in their layout, it allows the building's design to be increased, decreased or completely redesigned as needed. The web-based configurator can act as a link between people looking for a new building and architects and engineers, to help visualise customers' wishes and needs. The created building system can also be implemented to create buildings with different typologies, purposes and appearances, such as a residential house, an SOS children's village, an office, a kindergarten, a refugee centre.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Innovative character
The innovation of the project lies in the integration of factory-built houses with straw panels, which will follow the pattern system. Factory construction is significantly different from traditional site construction in a number of ways - in a factory environment, the weather is less of a factor, quality control is more effective, errors can be prevented at an early stage of design, and budgets are more stable and predictable.
The pattern system enables faster construction - to achieve this, we are developing a catalogue of building components from basic panels, which will allow us to design buildings of different sizes and appearances. The digital configurator that we are developing will allow us to calculate the amount of materials needed, the associated carbon footprint and the estimated cost. This solution follows a strong circular economy principle, as it consists of standard elements that can be reused.
Our vision requires the use of as few non-biogenic materials as possible, such as steel and concrete. The solutions are largely based on wood construction and ecological thermal insulation materials, especially for the straw and special elements. The system allows for the delivery of factory-produced modular houses as well as the creation of elements that can be quickly installed on site.
In addition to the development of construction technologies, we also aim to integrate smart energy and water solutions into the building construction. This will include the possibility where houses can both operate independently through renewable energy and clean water, and connect to central networks. Such technology will provide the opportunity to build houses in remote areas where electricity and water may not be available.
The pattern system enables faster construction - to achieve this, we are developing a catalogue of building components from basic panels, which will allow us to design buildings of different sizes and appearances. The digital configurator that we are developing will allow us to calculate the amount of materials needed, the associated carbon footprint and the estimated cost. This solution follows a strong circular economy principle, as it consists of standard elements that can be reused.
Our vision requires the use of as few non-biogenic materials as possible, such as steel and concrete. The solutions are largely based on wood construction and ecological thermal insulation materials, especially for the straw and special elements. The system allows for the delivery of factory-produced modular houses as well as the creation of elements that can be quickly installed on site.
In addition to the development of construction technologies, we also aim to integrate smart energy and water solutions into the building construction. This will include the possibility where houses can both operate independently through renewable energy and clean water, and connect to central networks. Such technology will provide the opportunity to build houses in remote areas where electricity and water may not be available.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
Completing an energy efficient building from mostly biogenic materials requires a lot of cooperation and communication between the different parts - architects, engineers, technicians, project managers, builders, etc. Our team is also made up of architects and engineers, which requires a rethinking of the classic work structure - the principle of integrated design. Architects and engineers start working together from day one and collaboration and communication takes place at every stage of the project. This way the overall communication saves time and budget, because then there would be less change later.
Integrated communication also means that some parts need to hold down their ego a bit and everybody has to be on the same boat. The nature of the project itself is not limited to the architectural or structural or technical aspects, but they form a whole. Also we consult with specialists and senior researchers in the architectural and engineering fields, so the possible outcome from our project would be the best and successful. For architects, it is a great challenge to start designing from the structural part first and then to integrate the architectural part.
Integrated communication also means that some parts need to hold down their ego a bit and everybody has to be on the same boat. The nature of the project itself is not limited to the architectural or structural or technical aspects, but they form a whole. Also we consult with specialists and senior researchers in the architectural and engineering fields, so the possible outcome from our project would be the best and successful. For architects, it is a great challenge to start designing from the structural part first and then to integrate the architectural part.
Methodology used
Our project methodology focuses on serving a broad target group, providing a solution for construction involving a variety of building types such as holiday houses, private houses, apartment buildings and public buildings. Emphasis is placed on a pattern system that supports the construction of buildings at different scales, using specific dimensions and structural elements. The pattern system allows for flexible spatial planning and enables the building to be quickly adapted to needs, while maintaining a fixed structure and logic.
In addition, we are designing a configurator that allows clients to create their own design, following a specific pattern. Such an approach significantly speeds up and simplifies the cost of the design and construction process. The pattern system also allows for quick solutions for countries affected by wars or natural disasters, giving people the opportunity to visualise their own home. Based on this information, we can put into production the necessary modules, which follow a common standard of construction. This approach allows significant savings in time and money compared to traditional design and construction.
In addition, we are designing a configurator that allows clients to create their own design, following a specific pattern. Such an approach significantly speeds up and simplifies the cost of the design and construction process. The pattern system also allows for quick solutions for countries affected by wars or natural disasters, giving people the opportunity to visualise their own home. Based on this information, we can put into production the necessary modules, which follow a common standard of construction. This approach allows significant savings in time and money compared to traditional design and construction.
How stakeholders are engaged
One of the key aims of our project is to help provide the developed straw modular system buildings as a solution for crisis-affected regions such as Ukraine, Pakistan and other suffering communities. Since this involves the cooperation of many different parties the engagement of various stakeholders across different levels is crucial. These stakeholders can be involved at the local, regional, national European levels, each contributing according to their possibilities.
The affected communities (local stakeholders) are pivotal stakeholders. Their involvement in the project can entail providing insights into their specific needs, cultural preferences, and local building practices. They can also participate in the construction process, offering labour and understanding the local terrain and environmental considerations. Regional stakeholders aka Regional Governments, Authorities and Offices provide necessary support for infrastructure development, permits, and facilitate the implementation of the project. These organisations offer technical expertise and guidance on deploying innovative construction methods. Also their role could involve regulatory support, land allocation, and coordination with various local authorities. National European stakeholders aka EU Institutions can offer access to funding, research, and expertise. They support the project by offering grants, different types of guidance, and policy advocacy, thereby enabling the project's expansion and sustainability.
The affected communities (local stakeholders) are pivotal stakeholders. Their involvement in the project can entail providing insights into their specific needs, cultural preferences, and local building practices. They can also participate in the construction process, offering labour and understanding the local terrain and environmental considerations. Regional stakeholders aka Regional Governments, Authorities and Offices provide necessary support for infrastructure development, permits, and facilitate the implementation of the project. These organisations offer technical expertise and guidance on deploying innovative construction methods. Also their role could involve regulatory support, land allocation, and coordination with various local authorities. National European stakeholders aka EU Institutions can offer access to funding, research, and expertise. They support the project by offering grants, different types of guidance, and policy advocacy, thereby enabling the project's expansion and sustainability.
Global challenges
Project aims to showcase environmentally friendly design as a response to the pressing issue of climate change in Europe. The EU is implementing measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the construction industry, offering potential for more affordable, healthier housing using straw and low-carbon modular systems. Our solution centres around the transformation of buildings into carbon reservoirs.
One compelling reason for selecting straw as our insulation material is its capacity to store one-third of the carbon emissions produced in the manufacturing of one cubic meter of concrete. According to data from the Estonian Statistical Office, in 2022, approximately 362,000 hectares were dedicated to cereal cultivation in Estonia. This indicates that, depending on the yield, an estimated 658,000 to 1,448,000 tonnes of straw were generated as a byproduct. This amount would be sufficient to insulate new and existing buildings in Estonia for a year. Clearly, the potential of straw as a construction material remains largely untapped.
Straw buildings have a typical lifespan of 50 years, which can be extended through reconstruction. About 98% of the materials used in these buildings are biogenic and can be recycled or reused, simplifying separation of building elements. This biogenic construction is suitable for low-cost designs, wood chips, and can also be mixed with clay for various applications like load-bearing elements, insulation, or clay pipes.
Apart from addressing climate change, we are also focusing on countries in crisis, such as Ukraine, Pakistan, Turkey and so on. We are using an innovative building pattern system to help rebuild damaged housing estates. Straw, being an abundant agricultural byproduct, is our material of choice, allowing us to expand this system to many countries and promote environmentally friendly construction practices. Our goal is to promote green construction practices and raise awareness about their potential worldwide.
One compelling reason for selecting straw as our insulation material is its capacity to store one-third of the carbon emissions produced in the manufacturing of one cubic meter of concrete. According to data from the Estonian Statistical Office, in 2022, approximately 362,000 hectares were dedicated to cereal cultivation in Estonia. This indicates that, depending on the yield, an estimated 658,000 to 1,448,000 tonnes of straw were generated as a byproduct. This amount would be sufficient to insulate new and existing buildings in Estonia for a year. Clearly, the potential of straw as a construction material remains largely untapped.
Straw buildings have a typical lifespan of 50 years, which can be extended through reconstruction. About 98% of the materials used in these buildings are biogenic and can be recycled or reused, simplifying separation of building elements. This biogenic construction is suitable for low-cost designs, wood chips, and can also be mixed with clay for various applications like load-bearing elements, insulation, or clay pipes.
Apart from addressing climate change, we are also focusing on countries in crisis, such as Ukraine, Pakistan, Turkey and so on. We are using an innovative building pattern system to help rebuild damaged housing estates. Straw, being an abundant agricultural byproduct, is our material of choice, allowing us to expand this system to many countries and promote environmentally friendly construction practices. Our goal is to promote green construction practices and raise awareness about their potential worldwide.
Learning transferred to other parties
One of our biggest challenges in our project is a designing pattern system for construction. The pattern system building will help to create a systemised design and enable mass production. Our vision is to establish a catalogue of modular components integrated with a configuration program. This approach allows us to make constructing and building with a flexible and efficient process, benefiting both the client and the contractor.
The systemized design can be helpful for time sensitive projects. For example we would like to provide assistance to countries facing crisis situations. The pattern system's flexibility enables the creation of adaptable spaces, allowing for easy expansion, reduction, or complete reconfiguration of a building's layout as needed. The system can be supported for housing in all climates, which means the thickness of a wall can be regulated according to the needs. It can also accommodate diverse building types, functions, and aesthetics, including residential homes, SOS children's villages, offices, nursery schools, refugee centres, and more. By having the possibility of building your house from elements, it also gives an option to scale the exact building bigger or smaller. This way the elements that are no longer needed can be reused for a different building as well.
Moreover, the modular pattern building system holds significant potential for circular design, as it comprises standardised components that can be disassembled and reassembled. Therefore, it's essential to ensure that the method for assembling and disassembling is both intelligent and straightforward.
The systemized design can be helpful for time sensitive projects. For example we would like to provide assistance to countries facing crisis situations. The pattern system's flexibility enables the creation of adaptable spaces, allowing for easy expansion, reduction, or complete reconfiguration of a building's layout as needed. The system can be supported for housing in all climates, which means the thickness of a wall can be regulated according to the needs. It can also accommodate diverse building types, functions, and aesthetics, including residential homes, SOS children's villages, offices, nursery schools, refugee centres, and more. By having the possibility of building your house from elements, it also gives an option to scale the exact building bigger or smaller. This way the elements that are no longer needed can be reused for a different building as well.
Moreover, the modular pattern building system holds significant potential for circular design, as it comprises standardised components that can be disassembled and reassembled. Therefore, it's essential to ensure that the method for assembling and disassembling is both intelligent and straightforward.
Keywords
Straw
Prefabrication
Circular design
Energy efficiency
Integrated design methods
