PLASPER

KORKTRIS

Eunice Oliveira Soares,

KORKTRIS is a cork modular framing project concerning the potential of cork. From the shape of the raw material after being taken the cork stoppers it incorporates the tetris understanding to connect all modules and define a solid structure. The material offers the capacity of self build constructions and it is above all a natural material, recyclable and reusable, essential qualities in a more environmentally friendly and sustainable architecture. 

The idea is to develop a self build structure that can be assembled and removed by its user with no module damage. This means that the module can be placed and replaced allowing the possibility to build a temporary or a long term wall, either for external or internal structure.

MODULE 

dimensions: 300 x 190 x 75 mm; granulometry: 1/3 mm; binder: polyurethanes; density: 280 a 330 kg/m3; block weight: ~ 1,29 kg

ADVANTAGES

energy cost reduction; high thermal inertia; natural and renewable insulation; breathable and healthy system; eliminates the occurrence of condensations; good for increasing the thermal and acoustic insulation; easy to assemble and to remove; low cost structure; good impermeability.

Clay Systems

Clay is one of the oldest and most used building materials in the world. There are plenty of arguments to use it, however in the modern industrialized world the material is a fairly uncommon choice (with burnt bricks as an exception). The cons for using it are that it's heavy to handle, high in labor and has a long drying time when you choose not to burn it. The pro-list is a lot longer and more convincing though:

Pros for using unburnt clay in buildings:

• Cheap (or free)
• Can be found locally (short or no transportation)
• Almost unlimited natural resource
• Low energy consumption while manufacturing
• Intuitive medium that is easy to shape
• The indoor climate is self-regulating, so the air condition is always good, and the walls can keep warmth in the winter/cold in the summer.
• No need for moisture barrier - the moist can go in and out of the wall
• No need for glue, plastics nor sealants
• Sound absorbing
• Fire retardant
• Preservative (organic materials like wood and straw gets a longer life span when surrounded by clay)
• If the house is to be knocked down the clay can either be recycled or it can just be ploughed down in the ground again.

I believe the reason for lack of modern building techniques with clay simply is that no one has made a business of it. It's a free material that you can't make a lot of money from, so it's mainly been used while self-building rather than in commercial use even though it's so environmental friendly. I think we need a new type of construction companies, that realizes the good qualities of clay building and start using it in a contemporary way. It can be found on the building site for free!

CO:CONE

CO:CONE

an element that

expands when wet,

contracts when dry. 

a feature that creates 

a natural movement.

just as the 

pine cone.

The project of CO:CONE started out with selecting plants that naturally could create a new material or product. 

Since both reed and pine wood are easily renewable, that was a given starting point. 

These materials collaborate with the features of the pine cone and create a structure 

that naturally responds to humidity in the air. A product that could be used as shading - on the roof, wall or window.

Cones are amazing. 

Since they have to kinds of wooden layer that responds differently to humidity, 

a natural movement occurs. The two layers are of diverse density, 

and since low density expands more, the opening of the pine come to pass. 

CO:CONE translates this feature to moving shades.
Instead of cones, pinewood veneer is the porous part, and wood glue the stabilizer.

prescott+moore

Mycelium House

 A prefab growing house.


Using this form, the mycelium will grow in to the wooden pieces that we need for putting the building together and hold it in place.  

Putting the building together. Really easy and quick process.

Natural pigmentation with plants

 Samples of coloured clay, wood wool, wood and veneer