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The Hand of Nature
Exhibitors
Anne Beim, Johannes Schotanus, Astrid Juul Jørgensen, Jonatan Møller Larsen, Henriette Ejstrup
Students
Jakob Ryle Tamstorf, Tom Louineau
External Partners
Thomas Gerner, Ruud Conijn, Mia Fossing Frederiksen, Karlis Livkiss, Frederik Gade Lind, Anders Sørensen, Lars Keller, Sven Jon Johnsen
The world seems mired in the perception that the climate crisis can be resolved with technological fixes, but overlooks the fact that radical change often occurs through social innovation.
The Hand of Nature is an architectural study of thatch, straw and cork where artisanal processes converge with the physical properties of the materials. The project explores inherent building techniques and ecological cycles. It demonstrates the interconnections between forms of knowledge, conceptual development, technical solutions and aesthetic expression, and how they depend on ethical choices.
Through detailed studies of individual building techniques and circular, tectonic principles, the project shows the substantial role which the craft itself can play in a biogenic architectural style of the future that considers the needs of multiple species in the planning process.
The project was developed in close collaboration with artisans, builders, manufacturers of building materials and the Danish Institute of Fire and Security Technology and put into practice as a 1:1 facade section (3 x 7 metres) for a multi-storey housing complex.
Tightly clad façade on load-bearing straw elements with fire-protective cork strip covering the vertical joints. Credits: Anne Beim.
Tightly thatched façade element with perforated metal tape and thin reed stems to increase the density of the thatched section. Credits: Anne Beim
Flame deflector in a double layer of fibre cement, held in place by a few specially designed angled steel profiles that divert water. Credits: Anne Beim.
With skilled hands, the thatcher adjusts the reed stems to ensure a tighter fit at the joints near the flame deflector. Credits: Anne Beim.
Medium-scale fire test of the flame deflection system, with particular note that the elements positioned above remain unaffected by the flames.
