georges batzios proposes an entirely straw-made cultural center in greece - 1
georges batzios proposes an entirely straw-made cultural center in greece
(above) exterior view
all images courtesy of georges batzios architects

 

 

 

georges batzios architects has proposed for the new cultural centre ‘konaki averof’ in greece an architecture that is concerned with its location and history, resulting in a contemporary and sustainable building. located in the thessalian plain, the previously existing 19th century structure sits with the rest of the scattered huts waiting to be regenerated. by combining these two elements, architecture and agriculture, a new site arises with unique properties in accordance with the cultural and environmental conditions.

 

video courtesy of georges batzios architects

 

 

 

the project by georges batzios architects proposes to cover the building with a straw façade, based on a contemporary construction technique developed in northern europe. the material will overlay the whole of the building with total respect to the volumetric and the preservation of the existing architectural envelope components. visitors can wander, sit, have lunch or even lie down on golden straw bales in a modern and safe architectural framework.

georges batzios proposes an entirely straw-made cultural center in greece - 2
interior view

 

 

 

the new building shell is constituted by panels of compressed straw 40 cm thick coated on the outer side of a transparent insulating film and inner plaster. the exposed panels of compressed straw in conjunction with the transparent overlay sheet, provided in the building, a reconnecting with thessalian area. the exceptional thermal insulation capabilities are able to reduce up to 95% on air conditioning needs of the building. this energy efficiency of new building classifies it in the category of building passive house (energy passive building), the combination of maximum energy economy’s, up to 95% on heating and cooling, its natural origin and therefore ultimate recycling character tranforms the whole project as a model of low cost bioclimatic and sustainable architecture.

georges batzios proposes an entirely straw-made cultural center in greece - 3
interior view

georges batzios proposes an entirely straw-made cultural center in greece - 4
north façade 

georges batzios proposes an entirely straw-made cultural center in greece - 5
south façade

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floor plans and sections

georges batzios proposes an entirely straw-made cultural center in greece - 7
exterior view detail 

georges batzios proposes an entirely straw-made cultural center in greece - 8
the historical building of the 19th century

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the historical building now

georges batzios proposes an entirely straw-made cultural center in greece - 10
the historical building in the future

georges batzios proposes an entirely straw-made cultural center in greece - 11
construction diagram 

georges batzios proposes an entirely straw-made cultural center in greece - 12
detail of the façade

 

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: juliana neira | designboom