Commonbond Architects Designs the Gardenhide Studio
Amy Duong — May 27, 2024 — Art & Design
References: commonbond.studio & dezeen
London-based studio Commonbond Architects designed and created its own studio dubbed the Gardenhide Studio. It is located at the end of a garden located in Southeast London's Abbey wood. The defining feature is the blend of construction materials where the firm highlights hempcrete and timber. It brings more awareness to the hempcrete material, which is a bio-composite material that is crafted from hemp and lime to be optimized as construction materials.
Co-director of the studio Kate Nicklin tells Dezeen, "The main idea behind the project was to create something that felt permanent and not like a standard lightweight timber shed. Hempcrete offered an alternative construction which was good for self-building. We like that it can be sourced in the UK and supports small-scale growers, we like that it creates a healthy environment to be in with no off-gassing and its breathable properties, that it sequesters carbon and is ultimately biodegradable."
Image Credit: James Retrief
Co-director of the studio Kate Nicklin tells Dezeen, "The main idea behind the project was to create something that felt permanent and not like a standard lightweight timber shed. Hempcrete offered an alternative construction which was good for self-building. We like that it can be sourced in the UK and supports small-scale growers, we like that it creates a healthy environment to be in with no off-gassing and its breathable properties, that it sequesters carbon and is ultimately biodegradable."
Image Credit: James Retrief
Trend Themes
1. Bio-composite Construction - Harnessing hempcrete as a primary building material disrupts traditional construction practices by introducing eco-friendly, energy-efficient alternatives.
2. Sustainable Architecture - The use of materials like hempcrete and timber in architecture emphasizes environmental responsibility and promotes the carbon-neutral building movement.
3. Localized Material Sourcing - Leveraging locally sourced hemp and lime fortifies supply chains while reducing transportation emissions and supporting regional agricultural economies.
Industry Implications
1. Green Building Materials - Increasing demand for biodegradable and carbon-sequestering materials like hempcrete signals a pivot from traditional to innovative eco-friendly building components.
2. Architectural Design - Designing structures with materials that offer health benefits and sustainability fosters new architectural norms centered on wellness and environmental impact.
3. Sustainable Agriculture - Rising interest in hempcrete drives growth in the cultivation of industrial hemp, presenting a lucrative opportunity for small-scale agricultural producers.
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