Shaping a circular industrial ecosystem and supporting life-cycle thinking
new vernacular architecture
new vernacular architecture - experimental construction site: Naturdorf Bärnau
"Vernacular" describes all construction activity that was developed in one specific place over centuries using local traditions, materials and requirements. Today, due to internationally standardized construction techniques, designs and construction processes, we have lost the potential of these valuable and sustainable vernacular skills. New vernacular architecture seeks solutions for a sustainable, beautiful and affordable future in architecture using this neovernacular potential.
Germany
Regional
The boundaries for vernacular and regional building do not stop at national borders. The natural village of Bärnau is exemplary of a new vernacular architecture in the border region between the Czech Republic and Germany.The system of new vernacular architecture can be further developed worldwide!
It addresses urban-rural linkages
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Prototype level
No
No
As an individual
Today, the construction industry is one of the largest consumers of resources and energy, but also a producer of CO2 and waste worldwide. Not only do we want, but have to change it!
Therefore we are looking for solutions to current problems in past technologies in order to create a sustainable future.
The potential of vernacular construction techniques in Europe is enormous and very diverse. It contributes to our locally built identity and environment.
This method is being used here at "nature village Bärnau" for the first time in the border region between the Czech Republic and Bavaria.
The neovernacular approach affects all levels involved in the construction. From the raw material supplier to the later resident.
The idea can be divided into 3 aspects:
new aesthetics - The shapes and appearance of modern architecture, since it began 100 years ago, eroded to random white tofu blocks and leads to a loss of sense of identity and belonging. We need a new kind of regional architecture aesthetics!
Circularity - Current building materials are transported all over the world. This not only causes enormous amounts of greenhouse gases, but also leads to delivery difficulties and high costs in times of protectionism and tariffs. By establishing small circular economies that not only consider the product, but also side effects (biodiversity, regional value creation, etc.), resilient structures are created, but also a sustainable alternative to conventional construction techniques.
Participation - Building is very expensive and privileged today. The processes can only be carried out by professionals and the value of the original craft is therefore forgotten. The simple, pollutant-free and self-explanatory craft techniques of vernacular architecture open up the opportunity to help build, to build a relationship with the building and thereby save costs in order to make building socially just. We want to have a say in what our built environment looks like.
Therefore we are looking for solutions to current problems in past technologies in order to create a sustainable future.
The potential of vernacular construction techniques in Europe is enormous and very diverse. It contributes to our locally built identity and environment.
This method is being used here at "nature village Bärnau" for the first time in the border region between the Czech Republic and Bavaria.
The neovernacular approach affects all levels involved in the construction. From the raw material supplier to the later resident.
The idea can be divided into 3 aspects:
new aesthetics - The shapes and appearance of modern architecture, since it began 100 years ago, eroded to random white tofu blocks and leads to a loss of sense of identity and belonging. We need a new kind of regional architecture aesthetics!
Circularity - Current building materials are transported all over the world. This not only causes enormous amounts of greenhouse gases, but also leads to delivery difficulties and high costs in times of protectionism and tariffs. By establishing small circular economies that not only consider the product, but also side effects (biodiversity, regional value creation, etc.), resilient structures are created, but also a sustainable alternative to conventional construction techniques.
Participation - Building is very expensive and privileged today. The processes can only be carried out by professionals and the value of the original craft is therefore forgotten. The simple, pollutant-free and self-explanatory craft techniques of vernacular architecture open up the opportunity to help build, to build a relationship with the building and thereby save costs in order to make building socially just. We want to have a say in what our built environment looks like.
bioregional circuits
affordable
climate-resilient
neovernacular
new-aesthetics
Neovernacular architecture at the "nature village Bärnau" has set 6 goals in terms of sustainability.
01 small circuits: all materials used should be manufactured within a radius of 50 to a maximum of 100 km, installed on the construction site and then reused, composted or recycled within this radius. In addition, the manufacturing processes should be transparent and recognizable - we don't want any hidden ingredients.
02 No cement: The production of cement produces enormous amounts of CO2. Cement production alone is responsible for 8% of global CO2 emissions annually. In the project, cement is replaced by clay and lime. Recipes, that were already used in the construction of the Pantheon in Rome.
03 no industrial composite materials: Industrial building materials such as bitumen, styrofoam and gypsum have become an integral part of construction due to industrialization. However, the materials present numerous problems. They are difficult to repair, reuse and have to be disposed of at great expense after use. Instead, we use pollutant free, renewable and recycled materials, some of which (biochar, wood) store enormous amounts of CO2.
04 repair - reuse - recycle: The buildings are constructed in such a way that replacing and repairing components is always possible. Repair is not a defect, but rather care.
05 less space: The buildings are used as holiday homes and their space requirements are reduced to a minimum.In addition to the lower cost of materials, the compact design also enables cheaper operation.
06 indoor+outdoor: Sustainable building doesn’t end at the front door. The outdoor areas are also designed to enhance biodiversity through their surroundings. The environment interacts with the buildings through agriculture, shading, and the microclimate. The rainwater for example is not drained underground, but flows in small ditches to a natural pond. What's even better: the system works both in new buildings and in renovations.
01 small circuits: all materials used should be manufactured within a radius of 50 to a maximum of 100 km, installed on the construction site and then reused, composted or recycled within this radius. In addition, the manufacturing processes should be transparent and recognizable - we don't want any hidden ingredients.
02 No cement: The production of cement produces enormous amounts of CO2. Cement production alone is responsible for 8% of global CO2 emissions annually. In the project, cement is replaced by clay and lime. Recipes, that were already used in the construction of the Pantheon in Rome.
03 no industrial composite materials: Industrial building materials such as bitumen, styrofoam and gypsum have become an integral part of construction due to industrialization. However, the materials present numerous problems. They are difficult to repair, reuse and have to be disposed of at great expense after use. Instead, we use pollutant free, renewable and recycled materials, some of which (biochar, wood) store enormous amounts of CO2.
04 repair - reuse - recycle: The buildings are constructed in such a way that replacing and repairing components is always possible. Repair is not a defect, but rather care.
05 less space: The buildings are used as holiday homes and their space requirements are reduced to a minimum.In addition to the lower cost of materials, the compact design also enables cheaper operation.
06 indoor+outdoor: Sustainable building doesn’t end at the front door. The outdoor areas are also designed to enhance biodiversity through their surroundings. The environment interacts with the buildings through agriculture, shading, and the microclimate. The rainwater for example is not drained underground, but flows in small ditches to a natural pond. What's even better: the system works both in new buildings and in renovations.
Different regions create different aesthetics.
The shape and size of the buildings are tailored to the properties of the materials, the local climate and economical use of space. Through the vast range of vernacular construction techniques, we can create completely new aesthetics for long-lasting, healthy and resilient buildings.
Learning from history: The special feature of the nature village in Bärnau is its direct location at the Bärnau-Tachov History Park.
Next door, a large open-air museum uses reconstructions to show the building history of the border region between the Czech Republic and Germany from 500-1500 AD. Here you can see and experience how the materials, designs and building typologies have developed over time. After walking through the history park and 1,000 years of building history, you will reach the 4 new research houses and see how you can use these traditional techniques to build buildings for a sustainable future according to current standards.
hands on:
Through numerous courses, seminars and excursions at the Bärnau Nature Village you can sense, feel and smell the building materials. This makes the construction process transparent and less anonymous.
Another aspect that you may not be able to see, but that is important, is that the buildings are pollution-free. There are already diseases today such as sick-building syndrome, which can be traced back to the negative influence of the building on the user.
Since the buildings can be rented out as holiday apartments, the experience doesn't end when the construction site is finished.
By seeing and understanding this new construction method, prejudices against existing buildings should also be reduced. The knowledge also enables you to sustainably renovate these old, unused buildings.
The idea is to make neovernacular architecture and renovation experienceable with all our senses,
in order to provide access to groups who would otherwise have no contact with it.
The shape and size of the buildings are tailored to the properties of the materials, the local climate and economical use of space. Through the vast range of vernacular construction techniques, we can create completely new aesthetics for long-lasting, healthy and resilient buildings.
Learning from history: The special feature of the nature village in Bärnau is its direct location at the Bärnau-Tachov History Park.
Next door, a large open-air museum uses reconstructions to show the building history of the border region between the Czech Republic and Germany from 500-1500 AD. Here you can see and experience how the materials, designs and building typologies have developed over time. After walking through the history park and 1,000 years of building history, you will reach the 4 new research houses and see how you can use these traditional techniques to build buildings for a sustainable future according to current standards.
hands on:
Through numerous courses, seminars and excursions at the Bärnau Nature Village you can sense, feel and smell the building materials. This makes the construction process transparent and less anonymous.
Another aspect that you may not be able to see, but that is important, is that the buildings are pollution-free. There are already diseases today such as sick-building syndrome, which can be traced back to the negative influence of the building on the user.
Since the buildings can be rented out as holiday apartments, the experience doesn't end when the construction site is finished.
By seeing and understanding this new construction method, prejudices against existing buildings should also be reduced. The knowledge also enables you to sustainably renovate these old, unused buildings.
The idea is to make neovernacular architecture and renovation experienceable with all our senses,
in order to provide access to groups who would otherwise have no contact with it.
connection: Building is very expensive and the processes behind it seem opaque and anonymous. Hardly anyone today has taken part in the construction of their house/apartment. This reduces the connection to the building and puts our built environment on a par with disposable items or other consumer goods.
affordable housing: Because raw materials are primarily used, a lot of work can be done yourself and all components are planned in a circular manner, the cradle to cradle costs for society as a whole are lower than in conventional buildings
diversity: Due to the standardization of construction in modern times, buildings not only became faceless, but sumetimes discriminate against. The current construction industry does not build for individuals but for categories of people If you do not fit in common schemes for financial or personal reasons, the current built environment doesn't adapt, you have to adapt. Neovernacular architecture opens up a significantly larger and more diverse range of possibilities, as the construction is not the same everywhere, but different everywhere.
trans european knowledge exchange: The buildings are constructed by journeymen and journeywomen. So far, around 30 journeymen and women have come to the construction site, brought their knowledge and skills with them and were able to practice the skills they learned on their next project. Influences came to the construction site from all over Europe and was then able to be distributed across Europe. Since the activities on the construction site are easy to carry out with the new vernacular construction techniques and the materials do not contain any toxins or chemicals, private individuals can also help themselves.
spreading the idea: For example, the technology has already been used to renovate an old building. The owner learned the process at the experimental construction site in Bärnau and was supported with tools to carry out this work himself.
A real Empowerment!
affordable housing: Because raw materials are primarily used, a lot of work can be done yourself and all components are planned in a circular manner, the cradle to cradle costs for society as a whole are lower than in conventional buildings
diversity: Due to the standardization of construction in modern times, buildings not only became faceless, but sumetimes discriminate against. The current construction industry does not build for individuals but for categories of people If you do not fit in common schemes for financial or personal reasons, the current built environment doesn't adapt, you have to adapt. Neovernacular architecture opens up a significantly larger and more diverse range of possibilities, as the construction is not the same everywhere, but different everywhere.
trans european knowledge exchange: The buildings are constructed by journeymen and journeywomen. So far, around 30 journeymen and women have come to the construction site, brought their knowledge and skills with them and were able to practice the skills they learned on their next project. Influences came to the construction site from all over Europe and was then able to be distributed across Europe. Since the activities on the construction site are easy to carry out with the new vernacular construction techniques and the materials do not contain any toxins or chemicals, private individuals can also help themselves.
spreading the idea: For example, the technology has already been used to renovate an old building. The owner learned the process at the experimental construction site in Bärnau and was supported with tools to carry out this work himself.
A real Empowerment!
The entire Bärnau Nature Village project was a participatory process. The planning of the buildings did not take place behind closed doors, but was created in collaboration with the journeymen and - women. All steakholders from across borders came together at events like the celebrations to mark the completion of the roof structure.
Numerous local companies are part of the team through material donations. Anyone interested is informed about the project, upcoming events and courses via the homepage, instagram or the internet, but also reports on local television.
In addition, it is also possible to become a part of the project directly by purchasing shares. There were crowdfunding approaches and anyone who was interested could deposit an amount before construction began and in return they would receive overnight stays in the buildings after completion.This made it possible to provide part of the financing and to involve a group of interested parties directly in the project.
In addition to the main project, other builders, who were motivated by the project, are also supported in implementing their own projects. The results of the open construction site are open source in order to motivate follow-up projects or private individuals.
The project also serves to show ways in which construction can be done more cheaply. Currently, construction costs in Germany are very high, as construction is carried out to a very high standard using highly processed raw materials. We show you how to do it cheaper. At first glance, this construction method may seem unprofitable, but when you look at it holistically as part of a life cycle cost analysis, conventional buildings are many times more expensive.
Numerous local companies are part of the team through material donations. Anyone interested is informed about the project, upcoming events and courses via the homepage, instagram or the internet, but also reports on local television.
In addition, it is also possible to become a part of the project directly by purchasing shares. There were crowdfunding approaches and anyone who was interested could deposit an amount before construction began and in return they would receive overnight stays in the buildings after completion.This made it possible to provide part of the financing and to involve a group of interested parties directly in the project.
In addition to the main project, other builders, who were motivated by the project, are also supported in implementing their own projects. The results of the open construction site are open source in order to motivate follow-up projects or private individuals.
The project also serves to show ways in which construction can be done more cheaply. Currently, construction costs in Germany are very high, as construction is carried out to a very high standard using highly processed raw materials. We show you how to do it cheaper. At first glance, this construction method may seem unprofitable, but when you look at it holistically as part of a life cycle cost analysis, conventional buildings are many times more expensive.
Various steakholders from different areas were able to contribute to the project on an equal footing:
01 The Bärnau Tachov Historical Park - is interested in creating overnight accommodation for guests and continuing to write the history of the historical park.
02 The craftsmen and tradesmen from all over Europe, who worked on the construction site and were able to learn new skills and expand their knowledge, but also being able to apply their own knowledge.
03 Me as an architecture student who sees the combination of different positions as an opportunity to develop a completely new way of building on the average.
04 Local agriculture, which is interested in using its products: Waste materials as well as building materials (hemp, sheep's wool, wood...)
05 Local companies that already produce building materials or raw materials and were involved in the development of new materials.
06 The Regensburg University of Applied Sciences (OTH Regensburg) with the civil engineering course in the building materials technology department, which played a key role in the assessment and evaluation of the different constructions and materials.
The approaches to neovernacular architecture range from local to global levels. An example of legal commitment is the development of wall insulation, which consists of hemp and lime. Contact was sought with several local hemp farmers and several meetings were held to find suitable raw material and their perspective.
The project now takes on global dimensions, as collaboration in a global network is planned for the desired research projects with universities. The applied systems are adaptable from place to place, but theoretically applicable globally.
01 The Bärnau Tachov Historical Park - is interested in creating overnight accommodation for guests and continuing to write the history of the historical park.
02 The craftsmen and tradesmen from all over Europe, who worked on the construction site and were able to learn new skills and expand their knowledge, but also being able to apply their own knowledge.
03 Me as an architecture student who sees the combination of different positions as an opportunity to develop a completely new way of building on the average.
04 Local agriculture, which is interested in using its products: Waste materials as well as building materials (hemp, sheep's wool, wood...)
05 Local companies that already produce building materials or raw materials and were involved in the development of new materials.
06 The Regensburg University of Applied Sciences (OTH Regensburg) with the civil engineering course in the building materials technology department, which played a key role in the assessment and evaluation of the different constructions and materials.
The approaches to neovernacular architecture range from local to global levels. An example of legal commitment is the development of wall insulation, which consists of hemp and lime. Contact was sought with several local hemp farmers and several meetings were held to find suitable raw material and their perspective.
The project now takes on global dimensions, as collaboration in a global network is planned for the desired research projects with universities. The applied systems are adaptable from place to place, but theoretically applicable globally.
All in all, 4 fields of knowledge were involved in the project, which influenced each other.
Crafts, Science, Architecture and Production.
01 Craft: The craft is responsible for the implementation and further development of forgotten construction techniques. In addition, craft methods from all over Europe were collected and evaluated through the itinerant journeyman system. The key question: "How can we implement the project constructively?"
02 Science: In order to provide reliable evidence of all results and to provide reliable materials, two local universities of applied science are involved. Fundamental experiments were carried out here, primarily in the field of materials science at the Faculty of Civil Engineering. The key question: "What can the material and construction do and how can we improve them?"
03 Architecture: The subject area of architecture brings all four disciplines together and creates new aesthetics in the context of of craftsmanship, sustainability, the legal framework and the materials. The key question: "What are we allowed to do and what does it look like in the end?"
04 Local production and agriculture: We couldn't build without the local raw materials. Besides, it's important to know what is available and what properties the raw materials have. The key question: "Have a look what is available, what can we do with it?"
New ideas arise from these 4 different disciplines that none of the individual disciplines would have come up with on their own.
A good example is the development of highly CO2-negative insulation made from biochar from agricultural waste. The OTH Regensburg is testing the properties of the biochar in various experimental setups so that the craftsmen can then install it in the right places. This enabled us to create an insulating material that permanently binds around 3,000 kg of CO2 equivalent per 1,000 kg. Without the intensive exchange and the transdisciplinary approach it would not have worked.
Crafts, Science, Architecture and Production.
01 Craft: The craft is responsible for the implementation and further development of forgotten construction techniques. In addition, craft methods from all over Europe were collected and evaluated through the itinerant journeyman system. The key question: "How can we implement the project constructively?"
02 Science: In order to provide reliable evidence of all results and to provide reliable materials, two local universities of applied science are involved. Fundamental experiments were carried out here, primarily in the field of materials science at the Faculty of Civil Engineering. The key question: "What can the material and construction do and how can we improve them?"
03 Architecture: The subject area of architecture brings all four disciplines together and creates new aesthetics in the context of of craftsmanship, sustainability, the legal framework and the materials. The key question: "What are we allowed to do and what does it look like in the end?"
04 Local production and agriculture: We couldn't build without the local raw materials. Besides, it's important to know what is available and what properties the raw materials have. The key question: "Have a look what is available, what can we do with it?"
New ideas arise from these 4 different disciplines that none of the individual disciplines would have come up with on their own.
A good example is the development of highly CO2-negative insulation made from biochar from agricultural waste. The OTH Regensburg is testing the properties of the biochar in various experimental setups so that the craftsmen can then install it in the right places. This enabled us to create an insulating material that permanently binds around 3,000 kg of CO2 equivalent per 1,000 kg. Without the intensive exchange and the transdisciplinary approach it would not have worked.
There are already a number of materials in the field of organic building materials: Insulating panels made of wood or hemp are just a few of the predominant industrial products.
However, these differ fundamentally from a neovernacular design. Until now, the established method of the construction industry is retained and only the initial product changes. In addition, the construction method remains the same.
For example, Styrofoam boards are simply replaced by wood fiber boards.
The errors that were then made in the choice of materials and construction can be remedied with large amounts of chemistry or building technology.
As a result, transport routes remain long, the profit remains with the established large corporations and many of the "sustainable" building materials are made easier to process with additives and chemicals.
For example, insulating wool made from plant fibers is often mixed with plastic fibers to create a better supporting structure.
The neovernacular construction method starts much earlier. Every decision of established construction methods is questioned. A central question is: What do I want to achieve with a building material and how can I do this in the most ecological, cost-effective way and without additives?
This means that the raw materials can usually be installed unprocessed and can later be separated again by using pure grades. The monopolies that have been built up over many building materials in the meantime can be undermined in this way. This reduces costs because the material does not have to be prepared, packaged and transported. A revolutionary new building with raw materials, not with building materials.
Another new approach is the establishment of a new architectural aesthetic that varies regionally. The buildings are shaped by the landscape, climate and needs. mThis saves materials in construction and air conditioning in summer. This makes building more appropriate and affordable again.
However, these differ fundamentally from a neovernacular design. Until now, the established method of the construction industry is retained and only the initial product changes. In addition, the construction method remains the same.
For example, Styrofoam boards are simply replaced by wood fiber boards.
The errors that were then made in the choice of materials and construction can be remedied with large amounts of chemistry or building technology.
As a result, transport routes remain long, the profit remains with the established large corporations and many of the "sustainable" building materials are made easier to process with additives and chemicals.
For example, insulating wool made from plant fibers is often mixed with plastic fibers to create a better supporting structure.
The neovernacular construction method starts much earlier. Every decision of established construction methods is questioned. A central question is: What do I want to achieve with a building material and how can I do this in the most ecological, cost-effective way and without additives?
This means that the raw materials can usually be installed unprocessed and can later be separated again by using pure grades. The monopolies that have been built up over many building materials in the meantime can be undermined in this way. This reduces costs because the material does not have to be prepared, packaged and transported. A revolutionary new building with raw materials, not with building materials.
Another new approach is the establishment of a new architectural aesthetic that varies regionally. The buildings are shaped by the landscape, climate and needs. mThis saves materials in construction and air conditioning in summer. This makes building more appropriate and affordable again.
The method used in this project is as simple as it is effective: depending on the specific location or region, you look at the building culture history.
How was it built back then?
How big were the houses?
What materials were used?
Where was it built?
Which shapes were built?
What do I really need?
...
Based on this basic investigation, decisions can then be made and new processes can be developed. For example: historical requirements, new production methods, fire protection regulations or insulation requirements are adapted. You can easily tell whether a material is promising by looking at 5 characteristics:
Is it free of pollutants?
Is it available regionally?
Can I recycle, reuse, repair or compost it?
Does it have important building physics properties (insulation, fire protection, load-bearing capacity...)?
Is the material CO2 neutral, or even CO2 negative?
These materials then result in specific constructions, which in turn result in different building shapes. In this way, location-dependent facts are used to arrive at a bioregional design, material selection and construction.
This approach required everyone to have significantly more knowledge about the materials and construction.
In conventional buildings, data sheets and brochures from the manufacturers can be used. This means that different specialist areas have to work together, as only through linked knowledge can truly sustainable architecture be created.
How was it built back then?
How big were the houses?
What materials were used?
Where was it built?
Which shapes were built?
What do I really need?
...
Based on this basic investigation, decisions can then be made and new processes can be developed. For example: historical requirements, new production methods, fire protection regulations or insulation requirements are adapted. You can easily tell whether a material is promising by looking at 5 characteristics:
Is it free of pollutants?
Is it available regionally?
Can I recycle, reuse, repair or compost it?
Does it have important building physics properties (insulation, fire protection, load-bearing capacity...)?
Is the material CO2 neutral, or even CO2 negative?
These materials then result in specific constructions, which in turn result in different building shapes. In this way, location-dependent facts are used to arrive at a bioregional design, material selection and construction.
This approach required everyone to have significantly more knowledge about the materials and construction.
In conventional buildings, data sheets and brochures from the manufacturers can be used. This means that different specialist areas have to work together, as only through linked knowledge can truly sustainable architecture be created.
The advantage of new vernacular architecture is that it can be used globally and anywhere. The method works both in new construction and in the renovation of existing buildings. Not like in the modern era, when the idea was to build identically everywhere. The idea is to build different everywhere by using the same method. The method of landscape-based building and small cycles works in every region.
Depending on the region, it brings out different architectural styles and aesthetics, which in turn makes it very exciting. This is based on the fact that vernacular construction techniques already existed in all regions of the world, but were displaced and forgotten by the advent of modernity. The variety of vernacular construction technologies worldwide is fascinating. All in all, it is a major revival campaign. This global applicability and the fact that most of the basics are already in place is also the great leverage that a neo-vernacular building culture has in relation to climate change. We don't have to invent anything from scratch, but can build on threads that were cut off at the beginning of industrialization.
Depending on the region, it brings out different architectural styles and aesthetics, which in turn makes it very exciting. This is based on the fact that vernacular construction techniques already existed in all regions of the world, but were displaced and forgotten by the advent of modernity. The variety of vernacular construction technologies worldwide is fascinating. All in all, it is a major revival campaign. This global applicability and the fact that most of the basics are already in place is also the great leverage that a neo-vernacular building culture has in relation to climate change. We don't have to invent anything from scratch, but can build on threads that were cut off at the beginning of industrialization.
The project of neovernacular architecture focuses on 4 global problems:
01 Climate change: The construction industry is responsible for 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions. We need to act urgently and turn our entire system upside down to make a difference here. Through the previously described methods of short transport routes, the reuse of existing building structures, carbon capture and storage and CO2-neutral to CO2-negative construction methods, we can make a huge contribution here. In addition, the locally adapted construction methods make the buildings significantly more resilient to climate changes.
02 Resource consumption: The construction industry is also responsible for 60% of global waste. Many of today's building materials cannot be repaired, reused or recycled. By using bioregional materials that are easily reusable and can be composted at the end of their life cycle. We drastically reduce the consumption of new raw materials and thus significantly reduce the amount of waste.
03 lost identity: Through a new construction method tied to the landscape and the revitalization of existing buildings, we are creating a new sense of identity. Due to the masses of post-modern buildings, many places have become faceless and indifferent. The quality of life is often best where large parts of the pre-modern buildings have been preserved. It's time for a new vernacular aesthetic!
04 social division: Across Europe, society is divided on various issues. In Germany in particular, the question of affordable housing is more explosive than ever before. A contributing factor is that the home ownership rate in Germany is very low. Many Germans rent their homes and have no insight into the construction process of their building, cannot repair it themselves and have lost touch with the built environment. This new way of building with your own hands can defuse a large part of the social explosives.
01 Climate change: The construction industry is responsible for 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions. We need to act urgently and turn our entire system upside down to make a difference here. Through the previously described methods of short transport routes, the reuse of existing building structures, carbon capture and storage and CO2-neutral to CO2-negative construction methods, we can make a huge contribution here. In addition, the locally adapted construction methods make the buildings significantly more resilient to climate changes.
02 Resource consumption: The construction industry is also responsible for 60% of global waste. Many of today's building materials cannot be repaired, reused or recycled. By using bioregional materials that are easily reusable and can be composted at the end of their life cycle. We drastically reduce the consumption of new raw materials and thus significantly reduce the amount of waste.
03 lost identity: Through a new construction method tied to the landscape and the revitalization of existing buildings, we are creating a new sense of identity. Due to the masses of post-modern buildings, many places have become faceless and indifferent. The quality of life is often best where large parts of the pre-modern buildings have been preserved. It's time for a new vernacular aesthetic!
04 social division: Across Europe, society is divided on various issues. In Germany in particular, the question of affordable housing is more explosive than ever before. A contributing factor is that the home ownership rate in Germany is very low. Many Germans rent their homes and have no insight into the construction process of their building, cannot repair it themselves and have lost touch with the built environment. This new way of building with your own hands can defuse a large part of the social explosives.
Three major steps are planned for the coming year:
01 The first two buildings are to be completed by May. The last two buildings will be completed the following year. From then on the houses can be rented.
02 Start of several follow-up projects: The techniques that are now being tested in the new building are already being used in some follow-up construction sites. A large follow-up project that deals with the renovation of old buildings using neovernacular construction is planned for 2025.
03 Science and production. In several research proposals, individual aspects that emerged during the experimental construction site are examined in detail and further developed. The building materials hemp and biochar are particularly promising here.
In the research projects, among other things, the implementation of AI and robotics is planned to increase the productivity of this neovernacular construction method in order to save costs and time. In collaboration with local companies, these new techniques and materials should then be widely available.
Our goal is to make the newly developed neovernacular construction methods better known in order to have a real influence on a more sustainable building culture.
In this way we can have a real influence on compliance with the 2050 european climate goals and contribute to more beautiful, more affordable and more sustainable architecture.
01 The first two buildings are to be completed by May. The last two buildings will be completed the following year. From then on the houses can be rented.
02 Start of several follow-up projects: The techniques that are now being tested in the new building are already being used in some follow-up construction sites. A large follow-up project that deals with the renovation of old buildings using neovernacular construction is planned for 2025.
03 Science and production. In several research proposals, individual aspects that emerged during the experimental construction site are examined in detail and further developed. The building materials hemp and biochar are particularly promising here.
In the research projects, among other things, the implementation of AI and robotics is planned to increase the productivity of this neovernacular construction method in order to save costs and time. In collaboration with local companies, these new techniques and materials should then be widely available.
Our goal is to make the newly developed neovernacular construction methods better known in order to have a real influence on a more sustainable building culture.
In this way we can have a real influence on compliance with the 2050 european climate goals and contribute to more beautiful, more affordable and more sustainable architecture.
