With his new sustainable building project, the “Cork House,” architect Matthew Barnett Howland presents an environmentally friendly alternative to concrete, steel and wood. The biologically renewable material can be used in a variety of ways in complex modern residential buildings. The architect received a nomination for the Stirling Prize for his prefabricated house made of cork.
Sustainable construction: The prefabricated house was built entirely from natural materials
The architect Matthew Barnett Holland, in close collaboration with his colleagues Dido Milne and Oliver Wilton, was inspired by the stone structures of the Mayan temples in Guatemala for his project. His prefabricated house consists of more than 1,000 interlocking cork blocks. In contrast to the traditional construction method, where the connections between the bricks are closed with mortar, the cork blocks are innovativeClick systemconnected to each other. For the complicated roof, a lightweight structure made of metal and wood was first prefabricated and then insulated with cork blocks. Materials such as plaster, concrete or cement were not used at all.
The benefits of cork
Cork isa natural material, which is obtained from the bark of the cork tree. A cork oak tree is peeled every 9 years. After the so-called cork harvest, the raw material is transported to factories where it is further processed into cork blocks, parquet, insulation material or wine corks.
The material offers many advantages: It weighs significantly less than concrete, metal and most types of wood and can be cut to size on site. Cork bark binds around three times more carbon than wood. Cork blocks can therefore significantly improve the carbon footprint of the building.
With that in minda sustainable buildingThe cork house was planned so that it could be quickly dismantled if necessary. The cork blocks can then be recycled and used again.
The “Cork House” impresses with an open living concept
The cork house is a purist masterpiece. Behind the simple facade lies an interior in a modern country house style. The rooms are small so that they can be ventilated, cooled and heated more quickly. Nevertheless, there is no lack of comfort in the cork house. A kitchenette with built-in appliances and a narrow kitchen island with a dining area for four people offer the opportunity to end the evening cooking with friends. The kitchen flows seamlessly into a living area, where a deep corner sofa promises maximum seating and lying comfort. A small oak wall shelf offers space for books, home accessories and even a table lamp.
The color scheme is neutral. Neither the fabrics nor the materials are treated with varnish or paint. The natural tones of wood, cork and wool create the country house charm of the interior.
Cork has excellent insulating properties and is classified as normal to flame retardant. That's why cork walls offer the best conditions for energy-efficient heating. A fireplace can easily heat the room even in the cold winter months.
Small, energy-efficient prefabricated houses made of cork: Is this the future of residential construction?
When you look at the cork house, you ask yourself whether small, energy-efficient prefabricated houses made from reusable materials might be the future of residential construction. The space-saving house would be a good option for both families who want to build a cost-effective holiday home and for singles who want a city villa. It is also a practical alternative to multi-generational homes and can serve as a guest house in the countryside.
A project byMatthew Barnett Howland
