From Field to Form: Straw is an event HML co-hosted with the Architectural League and is part of a series “exploring the possibilities, life cycles, and architectural implications of plant- and earth-based materials.”
Through these essential conversations between farmers, producers, builders, tradespeople, and architects, we motivate change in design and construction to protect health and slow the rate of climate change.
Panelists for From Field to Form: Straw include Alex English from Nitty Gritty Grains, Paul Lewis from LTL Architects, and Ace McArleton and Jacob Deva Racusin from New Frameworks. Each shares insights from their journey contributing to healthy, regenerative, and circular building practices. The discussions highlight strategies, collaborations, victories, and challenges in making straw building a mainstream reality.
“One of our goals is to make this process as simple and replicable as possible - because as we know, we are in a climate emergency and we need people to replicate low carbon and carbon-storing solutions as quickly as possible.” -Ace McArleton
The event explores the architectural potential of straw, its structural and insulative capabilities, and the opportunity for innovation in construction methods. Key themes include the importance of education, understanding ingredients and performance of materials, and embracing systems change. Emphasizing the resilience and durability of straw, speakers expressed the urgency of transitioning towards realizable, plant-based building practices in the next five years.
Watch the recording below.
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header image credit: New Frameworks