Envision Resilience
Hempcrete
Warren, RI, USA
2022
Hempcrete
Warren, RI, USA
2022
First Floor Plan
Scale: 1:64
Left: During normal days
Right: During weekends and special event
① Sowams Cider Works
- A local cider bar from the sending zone
② Cider Laboratory & Factory
- A incubator space for the cider bar
③ L'Atelier Hair Salon
- A local hair salon from the sending zone
④ Styling School
- A incubator space for the hair salon
Scale: 1:64
Left: During normal days
Right: During weekends and special event
① Sowams Cider Works
- A local cider bar from the sending zone
② Cider Laboratory & Factory
- A incubator space for the cider bar
③ L'Atelier Hair Salon
- A local hair salon from the sending zone
④ Styling School
- A incubator space for the hair salon
Section Pespective A-A
Scale: 1:32
The site for the studio is in Warren, RI, a small town with a working waterfront, a historic core, and a strong creative working-class community. The town is one of the first in the country to initiate a study for a planned retreat. Cooperating with the local government, a sustainable housing design for the receiving zone is developed.
Starting with research on material and construction processes, hempcrete emerged as a standout choice due to its exceptional performance in reducing carbon emissions, its minimal impact on infrastructure, and its positive impact on biodiversity. Integrating the casting process of hempcrete and the concept of solar envelope, a sustainable solar container is formed. It is to regulate envelope development within limits derived from the sun’s relative motion, translating trace of sun’s position into building form.
Acknowledging the withdrawal of local businesses from the sending zone, the project includes the development of incubator spaces aimed at fostering local economic growth. Rather than leaving parking spaces as underutilized areas, they have been transformed into vibrant local markets during weekends and special events. This initiative revitalizes community space and also creates opportunities for local businesses to thrive.