2024 - Become with light

BECOME WITH LIGHT
– A CLAY LODGE BY THE FJORD

In a situation of environmental crisis, the future calls for an increased use of circular building materials such as clay. As it generates comparatively high u-values and thus requires thicker walls than polymeric insulations, the re-introducing of this circular material will affect and challenge our idea of comfort and our daily rituals. Light as a dynamic material in architecture becomes a relevant issue in this – in what ways we adapt to light physically and mentally, and with which tools we measure it. How do we become with light?

PROGRAM
The project is part of a studio focusing on circularity and is to be built. The program is a 13 m2 arts in residence with sleeping area for up to three people. It is located in a steep terrain by the fjord. There is no electricity, thus the dependency on natural light is important for the project. Heating is provided by a wood-fired stove, and the walls are insulated with a wood chip clay mixture, finished with clay plaster. The play between light and this materiality is therefore central in the project. The clay holds a high thermal mass, meaning heat is released from it at a slow pace.

THE PROJECT
The possibility of opening the walls at the front is a central ritual in the project. A possibility of letting more or less light in. Letting in allows for energetic actions. The energy from the light allows activity to happen, as well as the surroundings stimulating the thinking and creativity such as drawing and writing. Closing in creates an atmosphere characterized by a slower pace, such as going to bed. A place giving more space for one’s inner reflections.

METHOD
Through light studies both quantitative and qualitative aspects have been investigated. Climate Studio has been used for quantitative measurements (daylight factor, spatial daylight availability (sDA), and point in time illuminance). The qualitative have been studied through model photos. As the window placements are already set, small adjustments have been examined to investigate their impact on the spatial qualities.