Course:

The Restorative Project

This one-day seminar explores the use of natural materials in the restoration of existing buildings, focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities in the Nordic region. This course invites architects to rediscover the inherent intelligence of natural materials such as clay, lime, and natural fibers and highlights how these not only contribute to a more sustainable building practice, but also have the capacity to heal existing buildings—enhancing durability, better indoor climate, and ecological balance.  Participants will learn from experienced practitioners, builders and experts about the importance of using these materials, learning how to integrate them into restoration projects that honor tradition and promote a mindful approach to design. 

Today’s heavy reliance on synthetic insulating materials often prevents buildings from breathing, instead depending on powered ventilation systems. Passive housing has emerged as a sustainability hallmark in recent decades, reducing operational energy for new structures. However, its principles frequently involve wrapping buildings with plastics and petroleum-based products that can harm human health, scar the environment, and block natural breathability. These synthetic solutions are also less compatible with older buildings—especially those with lower ceilings or “leaky” envelopes—because they were originally designed to allow air to circulate naturally. By time-tested traditional building techniques and materials, traditional ecological knowledge and new advancements in contemporary construction, this seminar will discuss strategies for adapting existing buildings to contemporary standards without compromising their integrity.

Practical info

At Arkitektenes Hus

Academic Lead: Andrea Pinochet + Matthew Dalziel

Speakers: (TBC: Julio Perez - Gaia, Rolf Jacobsen, Lasse - Resirquel, Birger Næss - Pro-Plan, Fracisco Fonseca - Predrez, Paulien Strandberg - Lund University, Kastler Skjeseth Arkitekter, Hawthorn Tompkins Engineers - UK, Hauke Haups - NTNU / ICOMOS Norge ++) 

Week: Mar 15 or apr 8 (alt. apr 1 TBC)

Format: Physical with streaming 

Sign up here!