We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Alexandros Kitriniaris about their original and creative House design work. Alexandros Kitriniaris is an award-winning architectural designer, that makes our world a better place with their original house works.
Alexandros Kitriniaris ("AK") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Earthwood House. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
AK : The choice of wood as a structural material for the house is connected, aside from its bioclimatic qualities, with wooden triremes and more specifically with the naval battle of Salamis, one of the most important historical events in Western civilization. Likewise, the selection of earth as a structural material for the wall, is not only connected to the symbolic boundary where the Persian invasion was halted by the Greek allied fleet, but also with the earth itself, as a raw local material.
AK : Earthwood integrates sustainable technological innovation processes with handcrafted design techniques. The architectural composition comprises four main principles of sustainability, i.e. the Fertile Ground, the Green Canopy, the Earth Wall and the Wood House. The use of recyclable materials and renewable energy sources creates a unique architectural experience by improving living conditions, minimizing the ecological footprint as well as maximizing the positive impact on communities and on the environment.
AK : This specific award gives us a boost to carry on in the same creative vein, giving each project a unique treatment.
AK : The architectural design started in May 2016 in Athens. The construction is expected to be delivered between 2017-2018.
AK : Our firm was commissioned to produce this specific project. Our clients asked us to create a bioclimatic country house that would be self-sufficient through renewable energy sources and sound water management, and would be constructed from natural and recyclable materials.
AK : Earthwood integrates advanced energy and water utilization processes regarding its bioclimatic operation. The architectural composition takes advantage of the sun orientation and rain water, firstly with the installation of building integrated photovoltaic panels, and secondly with the installation of water reservoirs which collect rainwater and recycle it either for household use or for irrigation. The Green Canopy enhances user interaction, while also creating shaded courtyards.
AK : “Earthwood” has a special meaning as it is derived from the synthesis of two words referring to natural, recyclable materials that the building is made of. Earth is the raw material for the rammed earth wall, while the structural cross laminated timber paneling system of the house is made of wood.
AK : Earthwood is composed from environmental friendly natural materials, such as structural wood and stabilized rammed earth. The house is constructed from structural cross laminated timber panels, which are fabricated and delivered on site. The rammed earth construction process takes place in situ with the use of a sliding formwork. The construction is finished when the formwork is removed leaving visible layers of compacted earth.
AK : The energy autonomy of the house is achieved with the installation of integrated photovoltaic panels (BIPV) on the 10 degrees pitched roof which are connected with a 14kWh Powerwall battery. The house consumes an average of 1.2 kWh/day when populated by 4 residents. The stored electrical power is also used to heat water for household usage and for heat convection through water pipes integrated inside the rammed earth wall. In addition, bearing in mind the annual rainfall data in Attica Basin, two water reservoirs with a total capacity of 86.80 m3 will collect rainwater from the specially designed surfaces and roof, and recycle it either for household use or for irrigation. Water recycling is achieved after treatment processes with sand-filters and disinfection systems powered by the stored solar energy.
AK : The research methodology regarding the structural cross laminated timber panelling system is related to the construction analysis of bearing structure, with the intention of creating a unified corner opening totalling 11m in length without the use of supporting columns. The next research methodology regarding the rammed earth wall concerns CAD/CAE simulation and laboratory examination of the behavior of compacted layers of earth in the specific environment, or in a possible seismic reaction.
AK : The main challenge of the project was to think about an architecture module that can be constructed in a limited timetable, i.e. 2-4 days, that is composed of natural, recyclable materials so that the construction can be reversed, to be completely autonomous through sound management of renewable energy and water sources, while simultaneously raising awareness of environmental legislation compliance in order to reduce the ecological footprint in the social and historical perspective.
