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Sustainable Housing with Ta Khien Wood and Plywood Solutions

Authors:
Nipit Rojratsirikul, Krittapon Yadjun, Chayanon Rojsuporn, Nontachai Boonmacharoen
Sustainable Housing with Ta Khien Wood and Plywood Solutions
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Crafted from Ta Khien wood and reinforced with plywood, the design emphasizes a zero-waste approach to create efficient modular living spaces that harmonize with their environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted entirely from Ta Khien wood, promoting local resource use.
02
Employs a zero-waste philosophy throughout its construction process.
03
Logs are cut into specific dimensions, minimizing waste generation.
04
Combines modular design with efficient living space optimization.
05
Repurposes leftover materials into plywood and furniture solutions.

POSTWOOD is a modular housing initiative that focuses on sustainable design principles and environmental concerns. Located in an area where climate issues are increasingly relevant, it offers an alternative to conventional building methods that often produce high levels of greenhouse gases. The design primarily utilizes wood as its core building material, emphasizing a return to natural resources while addressing the need for efficient living situations.

Architectural Concept

The layout of POSTWOOD centers around the concept of a wooden modular home that integrates and respects its natural surroundings. The design prioritizes efficiency, incorporating a rectangular shape that enhances functionality in both living and working spaces. This configuration allows residents to easily navigate between shared and private areas, accommodating diverse lifestyles in a compact environment.

Sustainable Practices

POSTWOOD reveals a strong commitment to a zero-waste philosophy, which is integral to its design and construction. The project involves planting trees for harvesting, following a 15-year growth cycle. This practice ensures a renewable source of timber while promoting responsible forestry. Logs are carefully cut into specific parts to minimize waste, with leftover materials often repurposed into other useful items, such as plywood or furniture.

Materiality and Structure

Key elements of the construction are designed for both functionality and visual appeal. Included in the building materials are polycarbonate, Zedar roofing, oriented strand board, plywood sheets, wooden columns, and wooden floors. Each of these components plays a role in ensuring structural reliability and energy efficiency. The choice of materials aligns with the project's overall focus on sustainability, while also allowing for natural light to illuminate the interior spaces.

Design Details

An important aspect of POSTWOOD is the use of Ta Khien Thong wood, known for its rapid growth and substantial trunk size. This specific choice supports the project's mission of utilizing local resources. The wood contributes strength to the structure while also creating a warm and inviting interior atmosphere. The design highlights the textures and natural beauty of wood, fostering a connection between the indoor spaces and the surrounding environment.

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

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