Dec 20, 2013 • Natural Building
Information Booth Built From Strawbales by Studio 1984
This simple straw bale structure acts as a rest stop and information booth to visitors of a nature trail in the north-eastern French town of Muttersholz. The booth was built as part of a study into renewable materials and their use in the fabric of buildings.
The eco-retreat was designed by the Paris-based architecture firm, Studio 1884. The spaces initial concept was based on a rectangular inner volume formed by a wall of common straw. A simple pentagonal timber frame provides a layout and means of holding the bales in place.
The interior the walls have been lined with wooden boards to create a light, clean minimalist finish. Whereas the exterior is rather rustic in appearance with it’s exposed straw bale walls, and a lightweight corrugated roof (supported by a timber truss). There’s a generous roof overhang to help prevent erosion of the land immediately surrounding the building, while also providing a degree of shelter to anyone entering the retreat.
This small study into the use of renewable materials could act as a catalyst for the development of new, simple structures that take advantage of local materials. While this building isn’t designed to act as a residence, its possible the future structures could be created using similar ideas to create a low-impact home.
For more houses built using natural materials check out this small Japanese student house that uses agricultural fermentation as a source of heating. Or check out these prefab housing units from Thailand that were built to provide shelter for Karen refugees. See all natural buildings.
Via Trendir
Photos: Studio 1984
5 Comments
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Bengt Carling
December 22, 2013 at 11:37 am
I love it. and when i have more time i Will comeback !
Benedictio
Darcy
December 27, 2013 at 4:48 pm
Another waste of money, imagine this structure on a farm in the mid west. Under current climate conditions, this structure would not stand up to a mild wind gust or rain storm. You could use it as condo’ s for the mice.
Jody
December 28, 2013 at 6:56 pm
Kind of weird to me.
LaurentA
January 6, 2014 at 8:44 pm
I love this simple house with bales and wood.
Where is the bed ?
Niall Burke
January 11, 2014 at 9:27 pm
There is no bed in this one Laura, it’s more of a little retreat/pitstop!