Earthwood: A Sustainable House Integrating Innovation and Tradition

Creating a Unique Architectural Experience

The inspiration behind Earthwood stems from historical events and the use of local materials. The choice of wood as a structural material is not only bioclimatically beneficial but also pays homage to the wooden triremes and the naval battle of Salamis, a significant event in Western civilization. Similarly, the use of earth as a structural material for the wall is connected to the symbolic boundary where the Persian invasion was halted and emphasizes the use of raw, local materials.

Earthwood stands out from other designs due to its integration of sustainable technological innovation processes with handcrafted design techniques. The house is constructed from Structural Cross Laminated Timber Panels, which are fabricated off-site and then delivered for assembly. The Rammed Earth construction process takes place on-site using a sliding formwork, resulting in visible layers of compacted earth.

Technical specifications of Earthwood include a plot area of 350.00m2, a build and cover area of 60.00m2, and a green canopy area of 125.00m2. The house itself has dimensions of 6.20mx9.70m, while the Rammed Earth wall measures 0.60mx15.50m. The house volume is 250m3, and the Rammed Earth wall volume is 27.90m3. The height of the house ranges from 5.10m (max) to 3.65m (min), while the Rammed Earth wall stands at 3.00m.

Earthwood's interaction with its environment is a key aspect of its design. The house incorporates advanced energy and water utilization processes to enhance its bioclimatic operation. Building-integrated photovoltaic panels harness solar energy, while water reservoirs collect rainwater for household use and irrigation. The Green Canopy not only provides shade but also encourages user interaction, creating inviting courtyards.

The project is located in Salamis, an island in the Saronic Gulf in Greece. The architectural design began in May 2016 in Athens, and the construction is expected to be completed between 2017 and 2018.

Extensive research underlies the design of Earthwood. The Structural Cross Laminated Timber Panelling System was analyzed to create a unified corner opening without the need for supporting columns. Additionally, CAD/CAE simulations and laboratory examinations were conducted to study the behavior of compacted layers of earth in the specific environment, including possible seismic reactions.

Overcoming challenges was an integral part of the Earthwood project. The main challenge was to design an architecture module that could be constructed within a limited timeframe of 2-4 days using natural, recyclable materials. The goal was to create a completely autonomous structure that efficiently manages renewable energy and water sources while complying with environmental legislation and reducing the ecological footprint.

Earthwood, with its sustainable construction technology and traditional building design methods, offers a unique architectural experience. By utilizing renewable energy sources and natural, recyclable materials, this design not only reduces the ecological footprint but also ensures a lasting positive impact on communities and the environment.

All images belong to KAAF Architects, 2017.

Intellectual property rights belong to KAAF Architects, 2017.

Earthwood was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in 2017 in the category of Sustainable Products, Projects, and Green Design. This prestigious award recognizes designs that exhibit outstanding creativity, resourcefulness, and technical skills, contributing to improvements in quality of life and making the world a better place.