Automatic Mills Grain Silo Conversion / Prokš Přikryl architects (Czech republic)

So much old school brickwork and symmetrical design in this 100+ yr old bldg. Look for all the breaks in pattern, heavy & light, rhythm, solid & void.

Here’s slightly edited except from current architects: The Automatic Mills is one of the first buildings designed by the architect Josef Gočár. Standing on the banks of the Chrudimka River in the center of Pardubice, the monumental mill building was created in 1909 for the Winternitz brothers. In 1924, the complex was extended to include a grain silo. The automatic mills operated continuously for more than 100 years until 2013. Since 2016 it has acted as a cultural site. More here.

Sjotime Crestone House

Long time best buddy and fellow designer, Dan Sjogren, is doing it - building a house in Crestone, CO (approx. 3 hrs. south of Denver). He’s using Faswall blocks (85% mineral wool/15% cement) for the wall system, PV to run power tools and eventually the house PLUS lots of hands on help from his nearby and close friend Macon. The lovely Jenny Thomas, the bread to his butter, is running loads of support from Denver and elsewhere.

Also, with a little encouragement ;) and a snowy Spring day, he managed to put together this blog documenting his project. Check it out.

Dan, we love you, Happy Birthday and we can’t wait to drink a coffee with you in/on or around your sweet house.

Vika One by Vika Living

Some interesting things about this 12’x12’ dwelling: kitchen, bathroom, living/bedroom space, minisplit, solar + battery option. Also looks like its base price is about $38,000 and ships most places in the lower 48 (US) for up to $3,000 and sets up in a day. Seems perfect for short term living or a good shelter while you’re making something larger. More information here.

Urban Camp by Felipe Campolina

Designed to be affordable building systems, easy to transport and assemble. These homes measure approx. 350 sq ft and can accommodate 4+ people. The structural system is scaffolding tubes/fittings with lumber crosspieces for panels (adding to the stiffness). Clear corrugated polycarbonate sheets cover the roof/walls - making it waterproof.

I could imagine these with insulated panels, solar and water collection systems and wood stoves as quick off-grid dwellings in rural, mt or urban settings. More here.

Atelier Masōmī - Mariam Kamara (Founder & Principal) NIGER

Design Philosophy: Architects have an important role to play in creating spaces that have the power to elevate, dignify and provide a better quality of life. The context, people and cultural heritage of a place are the building blocks we employ in order to come up with culturally relevant designs, that are at home in their local context but reimagined for the 21 century. Our work is built on a foundation of extensive research that uncovers ways in which we can go beyond the client’s brief and amplify the impact of a project. We have found that by working within our constraints and challenges allows us to be able to create more meaningful, sustainable architecture. We believe that as architects and designers, it is our duty to find ways to bridge societal divides, be they cultural, economic or political. This mindset has resulted in the ability to develop meaningful and impactful ways to shape positive evolution of present narratives.

Hempcrete Blocks by Just BioFiber (Canada)

I have not used these highly sustainable building blocks yet but am intrigued by them. Here’s what I’ve learned:

Lightweight, yet strong (can be used to construct a 4-5 story structure) & can be cut w/ common saws/tools

Carbon Negative - absorb more CO2 than is used to create them + the interior structure is made of bio-resin

Have high insulation R-values, are fire-resistant + moisture & pest resistant

They have dedicated blocks for sub-surface foundations (waterproof) w/ R-70 Insulation

The holes in the middle align to become chases for electrical & plumbing

Install 30% faster than similar construction projects

They are made in Canada and are currently 8-11 months out due to high demand