In today’s push toward sustainable construction, Maja Sutkowska stands out as a young architect and academic championing bio-based materials. A recent graduate from Warsaw University of Technology of Life Sciences, Maja’s expertise lies in using straw panels to decarbonize the construction industry. Being the bright representative of the Gen-Z, she is a rising star in sustainable architecture, driven by a vision to reconnect the human world with nature.
In this interview, we discuss Maja’s views on the future of sustainable construction, the role of bio-based materials, and her latest projects involving straw panels making us in Modulina sure, that we have a great partner in Poland – architectural studio Swiadom, founded and co-owned by Przemysław Woś, Borys Lewandowski and Wojciech Kapela, where Maja Sutkowska is one not just young associated architect, but also is appointed as a communication representative in cooperation between our companies on providing Modulina Straw Panels as a solution for the Swiadom Design Projects.
Could you introduce yourself and explain why it’s important for you to be among the voices of innovation in construction?
Maja Sutkowska: My name is Maja Sutkowska, and I am continuously learning and exploring within the field of sustainable architecture. At Warsaw University of Life Sciences, I’m dedicated to researching the science behind sustainable construction. I work to understand the latest advancements and keep up with changes in our field. I am also associated with Świadom, an architectural studio based in Warsaw, Poland, specializing in designing buildings with a low carbon footprint. One of our key objectives is to incorporate straw as a primary material in the construction of public buildings to significantly reduce environmental impact.
I envision a future where construction harmonizes with nature. My personal dream is to see a world where nature itself takes over human-made frameworks, allowing buildings to grow organically like mushrooms. While this concept may seem futuristic, it represents my initial response to the idea of green buildings. Nowadays, when sustainability is a popular buzzword and greenwashing is everywhere, I look for real solutions. This journey led me to explore natural materials, and I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.
Which part of the construction value chain will see the most innovation and disruption in the coming years?
Maja Sutkowska: I would say the source of construction materials is undergoing a significant shift. With upcoming legislation aimed at limiting carbon footprints, changes in material sourcing are not just necessary but inevitable. I am encouraged by the growing market for bio-based construction materials and the increasing awareness surrounding their benefits. Technological advancements are accelerating, making these sustainable options more viable and effective.
On the other hand, the current approach to the deconstruction process seems increasingly irrational and is worth noting. We understand that repurposing existing structures is far better for the environment. Yet, it remains more cost-effective to demolish buildings rather than adapt or reuse them. This disparity is troubling and highlights a critical area where we need to rethink our practices. What to do with construction waste? How to design for disassembly? How to make it cost-effective and attractive? This is the focus of my current personal interest.
How do you see bio-based materials, like straw, shaping the future of construction?
Maja Sutkowska: In Poland and many neighboring countries, the post-World War II era was marked by the widespread use of prefabricated construction. The primary goal was to quickly provide housing for people. Unfortunately, the quality and aesthetics of these structures often fell short, leading to a negative perception of prefabrication. However, I see an opportunity for a renaissance of prefabricated elements, especially if they are made from natural materials. This approach could greatly benefit design for disassembly and enhance overall quality.
For instance, hempcrete, which requires a long drying period, could effectively replace materials like YTONG with pre-cast hempcrete blocks. Straw needs to be properly dried and compressed. Making it in the factory ensures consistent quality every time. The better the quality, the healthier the buildings. Prefabrication can make this industry more accessible by establishing local factories across the country in partnership with local farmers. This would allow for the construction of new public buildings and homes using prefabricated straw-and-wood panels, blending sustainability with practicality.
Can you share a recent project that highlights your commitment to sustainable construction?
Maja Sutkowska: My most recent project was my master’s thesis in architectural studies. I had to select a topic of interest, research it, and propose a solution in the form of a building design. The issue I chose to address was people’s attitudes towards nature. I observed that better understanding how to work with nature not only reduces the negative impacts of human activity on the environment but also enhances human health through contact with nature.
I considered how architecture could foster pro-environmental attitudes from an early age, which led me to design a school aimed at propagating these values from the beginning of education. I knew that my school should set an example of sustainable design on its own, which is why I decided to use prefabricated straw-and-wood panels and ensure that the building met six criteria in line with European recommendations:
- Awareness of unity with nature
- Mitigation and adaptation to climate change
- Transition to a circular economy
- Sustainable use and protection of water resources
- Pollution prevention and control.
- Protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems
One aspect of a sustainable approach is involving users in the design process. Although I wasn’t required to do so, I organized design workshops that also included elements of education on green design. The children and teachers at the school were the best judges of their own needs. Initially, the project was a modest expansion of the school I had attended, but through these workshops, it evolved to include a sports complex and a high school. Completing the project within a tight timeframe was a challenge, but the modular approach helped a lot. It was less of a completed project and more of a model for phased school expansion, applicable in any location.
What challenges do you foresee in the widespread adoption of sustainable building materials?
Maja Sutkowska: I am concerned that existing market connections may be too strong, potentially leading to conventional natural materials being labelled as eco-friendly without any real change. Another worry is that if our approach doesn’t evolve, natural materials could also be exploited for greenwashing purposes. The more wood we use, the lower the carbon footprint there is, isn’t it? But it takes years for wood to grow! For me, the underlying issue is human greed—where financial gain often takes precedence over the well-being of other people and our planet. It feels as though we often overlook the long-term consequences of our actions. Despite these challenges, I remain optimistic and believe in people. I think it’s a matter of time before we can bring about meaningful change.
How can industry stakeholders collaborate to promote and implement eco-friendly construction techniques?
Maja Sutkowska: I see people around me making strides in this area, and I’m striving to be part of it. There’s a lot of research and development happening in this field, and we need pilot projects to gather real data. Education, training, and knowledge sharing are essential because many people are still unaware of the benefits of bio-based materials.
While materials and products need certification, international legislation must also adapt to ensure that these certifications are recognized globally. Engaging with policymakers is crucial, and ideally, we would create universal standards. However, given the unique nature of bio-based materials, this may be challenging. They should be treated differently from conventional materials but I am not sure how. To address this, we need collaboration across various sectors.
Ultimately, what seems most critical is… funding. I don’t need to say why.
What advice would you give to young professionals entering the construction industry?
Maja Sutkowska: As a young architect and researcher, if I could give advice to my younger self from 10 years ago, I would say to open my mind earlier [laughs]. Back then, I focused on studying architecture to make the world more beautiful. Only later did I realise we can also make it smarter—doing more with less—while still enhancing its beauty. I began this journey three years ago and I am grateful for the rich experiences I’ve gained and people I’ve met on my journey. However, I would advise myself to learn more about hands-on craftsmanship, as this is an important skill for an architect. To others, I always offer the same advice: don’t be afraid to reach out to people you admire and share your interests with them. From my experience, it opens many doors! Stay positive.
Modulina Straw Panels is excited to collaborate with such a bright and passionate new generation of architects, believing that individuals like Maja will be pivotal in shaping the future of eco-friendly building practices. Her innovative vision and leadership in the field represent the very essence of what Modulina stands for—sustainable, nature-aligned construction that reduces our carbon footprint. As the construction industry increasingly focuses on decarbonization and sustainability, Maja’s vision of a world where buildings live in harmony with nature is both timely and inspiring, showcasing the potential of bio-based solutions to transform the way we build and live.