Hedeskov Living Lab
Status: onging
Renovation of a former school building. The project explores how existing structures can be adapted using locally sourced and bio-based materials while meeting contemporary technical standards. Traditional construction methods and materials are tested alongside new material strategies.
Context
The built environment is resource-intensive and contributes significantly to carbon emissions and ecological degradation. Although alternative materials are available, they are rarely tested and documented in ways that allow broader professional adoption. The Living Lab addresses this gap by developing and evaluating renovation methods.
Research
Reuse and adaptation of the existing structure and materials
Application of locally sourced and bio-based materials
Landscape audit to assess local material availability
Integration of material harvesting with landscape restoration
Humidity regulation, off-gassing, and social use of spaces to understand how buildings affect human health and ecology
Documentation and knowledge sharing
Material performance, sourcing processes, collaboration models, indoor climate conditions, hygroscopic measurements and anthropological observations are systematically recorded and evaluated. The project also documents material understanding in practice, including how reuse and visible repair can be integrated as deliberate architectural strategies within an approach that understands buildings as part of broader ecological systems.
The Living Lab therefore operates as both a renovation project and an ongoing practice-based research environment.
The work is presented in the publication Hedeskov Living Lab – Process & Architecture Report, which documents materials, decisions and challenges encountered throughout the process. The report (in Danish) is available via BUILD – Department of the Built Environment.
Partners/Collaborators
The project was developed as a cross-disciplinary collaboration with Djernes & Bell, Local Works Studio, BUILD at Aalborg University, local craftspeople, materials experts, farmers and a geologist.
The project has been recognized and supported by the philanthropic association Realdania, with a research and renovation grant of 5 million DKK.
Hedeskov Living Lab
Status: onging
Renovation of a former school building. The project explores how existing structures can be adapted using locally sourced and bio-based materials while meeting contemporary technical standards. Traditional construction methods and materials are tested alongside new material strategies.
Context
The built environment is resource-intensive and contributes significantly to carbon emissions and ecological degradation. Although alternative materials are available, they are rarely tested and documented in ways that allow broader professional adoption. The Living Lab addresses this gap by developing and evaluating renovation methods.
Research
Reuse and adaptation of the existing structure and materials
Application of locally sourced and bio-based materials
Landscape audit to assess local material availability
Integration of material harvesting with landscape restoration
Humidity regulation, off-gassing, and social use of spaces to understand how buildings affect human health and ecology
Documentation and knowledge sharing
Material performance, sourcing processes, collaboration models, indoor climate conditions, hygroscopic measurements and anthropological observations are systematically recorded and evaluated. The project also documents material understanding in practice, including how reuse and visible repair can be integrated as deliberate architectural strategies within an approach that understands buildings as part of broader ecological systems.
The Living Lab therefore operates as both a renovation project and an ongoing practice-based research environment.
The work is presented in the publication Hedeskov Living Lab – Process & Architecture Report, which documents materials, decisions and challenges encountered throughout the process. The report (in Danish) is available via BUILD – Department of the Built Environment.
Partners/Collaborators
The project was developed as a cross-disciplinary collaboration with Djernes & Bell, Local Works Studio, BUILD at Aalborg University, local craftspeople, materials experts, farmers and a geologist.
The project has been recognized and supported by the philanthropic association Realdania, with a research and renovation grant of 5 million DKK.
Process content
Selected moments from the process showing material harvesting, processing and craftsmanship
Process content
Selected moments from the process showing material harvesting, processing and craftsmanship.
Process content
Selected moments from the process showing material harvesting, processing and craftsmanship
Hedeskov Living Lab - Process & Architecture Report
