ewing street
CRAFTWORK AS A BUILDING SYSTEM
Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is the culmination of our search for an architectonic material. It is a building system comprising timber panels of hi-tech production where planks of planed spruce are glued together, each successive layer perpendicular to the previous one, giving a highly tactile, velvety, artisanal feeling and enabling the construction of architecture with complex geometries and a high level of detailing.
The CLT-panels inherently provide insulation, require no dampproof membrane, no external weathering layer and are naturally breathable – allowing for variations in air humidity. The homogeneity of the solid timber elements allows seamless transitions between walls, roof, floorplates, interior and exterior without the usual complications of traditional building systems. The monochromatic wooden form transforms with time, weathering externally to a silvery grey whilst the interior remains light. The material’s rawness combined with clean, direct intersections generate a distinct and humane architecture. Having achieved this spatial definition, the detailed design (kitchen , lighting, stairs etc.) aims to reflect the same quality throughout the interior.
JORDENS ARKITEKTER SPOT IN EWING STREET, ECHO PARK, LOS ANGELES
simple, honest and resource-efficient are three words at the heart of Swedish architecture. Using solid wood (CLT) to build houses is still a climate-smart move, as the production process creates a minimum of waste, while by-products can be used for generating energy. Wood also binds carbon dioxide throughout its life cycle, and when it is worn out it can be used as biofuel. Jordens Arkitekter have designed a house based on their own interpretation of Swedish modern architecture, inspired by the raw beauty of the material.
In both Sweden and California there are a number of passionate souls striving towards a world where humans live in harmony with nature.
