“Nest House” is a pioneering biogenic housing prototype showcased at the Circular Lab at Roskilde Festival 2024. This innovative project invites visitors to experience a living space constructed entirely from biogenic materials such as clay, straw, and timber. The initiative brings together various stakeholders from the building industry, united by a shared vision of redefining contemporary living through sustainable practices. The overarching goal is to create scalable housing systems rooted in principles that promote healthy living spaces for both inhabitants and the planet.
PROJECT GOALS
Living: A Resource-Conscious Approach
Nest House project embodies an alternative way of living that prioritizes resource consciousness. This approach is driven by a heightened awareness of the planetary boundaries within which society must operate. By focusing on sustainable living, the project aims to demonstrate that it is possible to design homes that not only meet the needs of their occupants but also respect and preserve the environment.
Building: Embracing Biogenic Materials
Building with biogenic materials involves utilizing natural, renewable resources from plants, animals, or other biological sources in construction. This practice is gaining traction due to its sustainability, low environmental impact, and potential to reduce buildings’ carbon footprint.
The key materials used in the Nest House include:
Clay, Straw, and Timber:
These biogenic materials are chosen for their renewable and biodegradable properties, making them more sustainable than traditional materials like concrete and steel. They require less energy to produce and can store carbon, thereby reducing a building’s overall carbon footprint. Additionally, they contribute to healthier indoor environments by improving air quality and regulating humidity. Utilizing agricultural byproducts, such as straw, also helps reduce waste and embodies the principles of circularity.
Upcycling:
The project incorporates repurposed materials for windows, floors, and façades. This method involves transforming waste or discarded items into new, higher-value products, thereby reducing waste and conserving resources and energy. This innovative approach to construction not only diverts materials from landfills but also leads to eco-friendly solutions.
Reuse:
Elements like roof cladding, doors, windows, and wooden panels are salvaged from demolished buildings and integrated into the new construction. This practice reduces waste, conserves resources, and often provides unique, high-quality materials that might otherwise be difficult to source.
ARCHITECTURAL INNOVATIONS
Modularity and Prefabrication
Nest House is constructed using prefabricated modules made from timber and straw, produced in a factory setting and then transported to the construction site for assembly. This method is chosen for its efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability. The modular approach allows for customized design configurations and can be easily scaled up or down by adding or removing modules.
Design for Assembly and Disassembly (DfA)
Careful planning ensures that all components can be easily assembled and disassembled, simplifying maintenance and upgrades. This design philosophy extends the useful life of building materials and components, reducing lifecycle costs and promoting sustainability.
Aesthetic Value
The project’s sustainable construction methods contribute to a distinct architectural expression, incorporating high-quality materials that add character and uniqueness to the design. This aesthetic appeal underscores the project’s commitment to combining functionality with beauty.
Circular Lab Tests and Future Plans. As part of the Roskilde Circular Lab 2024, Nest House will undergo testing to monitor indoor quality parameters such as temperature, air quality, general feeling, and humidity. These tests aim to demonstrate and validate the building system’s effectiveness. Come visit the housing prototype in Area 10A to experience a living space constructed entirely from biogenic materials and help us test it out sharing your thoughts by this link:
Following the Roskilde Circular Lab, the project will be disassembled into three main parts and relocated to Tunnelfabrikken in Copenhagen’s Nordhavn, where it will be on display for the following year.
Conclusion
Nest House represents a groundbreaking step towards sustainable living and building practices. By utilizing biogenic materials, upcycling, and reusing components, the project challenges traditional construction methods and sets a new standard for eco-friendly housing. Its modular and prefabricated design, combined with a focus on assembly and disassembly, offers a flexible and sustainable approach to modern living. As it moves from the Roskilde Circular Lab to its new location in Copenhagen, The Nest House continues to inspire and pave the way for a more sustainable future in housing.
