Ephemeral + Unfolding

Service

Research

Themes

Timber, Flexibility, Natural Materials, Partitions, Biennale, Residential Typology, Adaptable, Exhibit

Collaborators

CNMI Dukta

Year

2021 / 2023

In back to back London Design Biennales, the Centre for Natural Material Innovation of the University of Cambridge and PLP Labs explored a new concept of living based upon a home that transforms with you. Unfolding (2021) and Ephemeral (2023) showcase how engineered timber partitions that are flexible and movable can replace walls.

This model enables households to create a residential typology that works for them at every stage of life. This series of exhibits examines the evolving relationship between nature and city, natural materials and buildings, and a flexible, adaptable, and responsive future.

1. Introduction

Introduction

How do we create homes as flexible, sustainable, and nurturing environments for the people who inhabit them?

Unfolding (2021) and Ephemeral (2023) were exhibited at London Design Biennale in Somerset House. The installations explored the geometry and use of engineered timber partitions in residencies.

The exhibits are supported by 7 key study areas:

(1) Housing for the future

(2) Timber policies

(3) Forests & value chains

(4) Prefabrication & kit of parts

(5) Flexible housing

(6) Flexibility of engineered timber

(7) 21st Century mud housing for the future

Unfolding is a representation of the unfolding of a flexible, adaptable, and responsive future.

2. Housing for the Future

Housing for the Future

How do we create homes as sustainable, nurturing environments for the people who inhabit them? What will be the tools for flexible, adaptable and low-imprint buildings which enable residents to actively create their spaces based on a simple principle: every human has a right to decent and affordable housing, with its own originality and character, and which does not deplete our shared resources or leave lasting negative traces on our environment?

3. Prefabrication & Kit of Parts

Prefabrication & Kit of Parts

In prefabrication, building components are manufactured off-site and assembled on-site. This substantially reduces the time, cost and environmental footprint of the construction process. Embedded in the production process of timber, prefabrication enables the uptake of natural construction materials and modular kits-of-parts. The unique flexibility in their configuration offers efficient and healthy alternatives to
current housing shortages.

4. Timber Policies

Timber Policies

Climate change and the increasing demand for urban housing solutions are pushing the construction industry to provide sustainable building solutions for the future. In this context, timber has emerged as the most promising alternative to densify cities. However, numerous policies should be implemented to facilitate and promote the widespread use of wood in the built environment.

5. Forests & Value Chains

Forests & Value Chains

Forests worldwide are a pivotal tool in our fight against climate change. They span from ancient woodlands and sustainably managed plantations to individual trees that adorn our parks and city squares, collectively accounting for more than 30% of global land. As we edge towards irreversible climate disruption, these trees and forests provide a dependable and renewable resource to combat the harmful effects of greenhouse gases.