A research-based project, which focuses on the exploration of geogenic resources from different regional contexts for potential application in design and architecture
The locally sourced, mineral-based composite materials mainly contain specific recycled aggregates from construction waste with hydraulic properties, a small amount of local pozzolanic soils and ashes. Some material variations were designed with the addition of natural polymer obtained from food production waste.
The colours vary from beige and grey to reddish and yellowish mixed tones based on the raw materials used and additionally enhanced by adding locally available natural pigments.
Applying low energy processes and long curing periods allows to reduce CO2 emissions and at the same time to produce a very durable composite material, that continues to mature over time in the field.
The Acores are the first investigation site of the TERRA TALE project. In studio experiments and together with our local partner LREC we tested recipes, that potentially be a viable alternative to Portland cement products and and on the other hand offer numerous possibilities for the further development of different consistencies into decorative and functional building materials such as plaster, mortar or solid materials such as facade panels.
The design work focuses on the development of architectural facade panels that sensitively fit in regional contexts on the Acores islands and furthermore could bring a acorean regional appearance to other architectural contexts across Europe.
Alongside our interest in mineral-based materials, the project originates from the need to contribute critically and constructively to the broader discourse on the environmental issues caused by the intense anthropogenic activity associated with the extraction and production of mineral natural resources.The relevance of soil and minerals for industrial production is undeniable, as well as the fact that the way in which they have been exploited and used up to date is no longer sustainable.
We ensure that the composites we are working on:
After diving deeper into the potentials of mineral resources for building materials we ended up, trying to find alternatives to strip mining in our project REFUSED MATTER, in which we make use of the specific properties of agricultural waste materials, that also could potentially be used in compounds for building applications.
The design work focuses on the development of architectural facade panels that sensitively fit in regional contexts on the Acores islands and furthermore could bring a acorean regional appearance to other architectural contexts across Europe.
Part of the results of our work during the project ENDOGENOUS ACORES were shown in a group exhibition at
The ARQUIPÉLAGO - Center for Contemporary Arts.
HOW TO BUILD AN ISLAND showed works by various designers who use local resources in their work
and reflect the cultural heritage of the Acores.
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