Belgian studio Van Laethem Architecten used natural materials including hempcrete and cedar shingles to create this small garden studio for its staff in Alken.
Located in the rear garden of founder Chris Van Laethem's home, the building acts as both a workspace for up to three people and a demonstration of the studio's approach to using bio-based materials.
It is built from hempcrete
For the structure, Van Laethem Architecten used hempcrete, with the project providing an opportunity for the studio to learn more about working with the material.
"To get a feeling with the hempcrete, I knew I had to work with it myself," said Van Laethem. "Organising a hempcrete workshop helped me to start off. This was an ideal way of cutting costs, but also for other self-builders to get to know the material."
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Externally, the lower section of the walls is clad with red brick, creating the impression of a plinth that references the adjacent house, while above cedar shingles protect the walls from rain.
Inside, the hempcrete walls and timber roof have been left exposed, complemented by a floor of recycled foam glass granules.
The hempcrete is left exposed inside
"Except for the foundation of the outer walls, no concrete was used," said Van Laethem. "The chosen materials for the floor, walls and ceiling make the structure and f...