Mihaus Studio: A Modular Living Space Lined with Hemp

For those of you that follow Humble Homes regularly, you’ll know that I have a thing for multi-purpose and modular spaces. I believe it’s a key element to creating sustainable architecture, and the Mihaus Studio by Sue Harper Architects just about ticks all the boxes.

The Mihaus Studio is a component structure – a living space that can be extended and customized as required. The unit can be prefabricated before being transported to the owner’s site. Its ability to be customized allows it to fulfil a variety of uses – an eco-cabin, retreat, backyard cinema, or an extension to an existing home. And while the main structure is constructed from steel, it allows the space to be disassembled and transported elsewhere.

The idea behind the Mihaus originates from Harper’s own need for an adaptable home addition. She decided to create a space that would be flexible to her needs, but also had a minimal impact on the environment. By incorporating the environmentally-friendly building material, Hemp, the building is able to capture and store carbon over the material’s lifespan.

(It should be noted that Hemp building materials are often inferior to traditional materials in terms of strength. For example, Hempcrete contains 1/20^th of the strength of concrete and needs to be used in conjunction with an existing frame structure.)

Other green building techniques that have been employed include natural ventilation, and effective glazing. The versatility of the design earned Harper the 2013 Australian Houses Award for sustainability. From the 2013 House Awards jury, “Mihaus consolidates and redefines cost-efficient modular construction at a level that is accessible to the public.”

If you liked this prefab living space, then you might like DALE, the net-zero expandable micro-home, or the Fincube by Studio Aisslinger and Josef Innerhof.

What green building products would you like to incorporate in your own house?

Via Inhabitat