FRAMEWORK

TERRA TALE

A research-based project, which focuses on the exploration of geogenic resources from different regional contexts for potential application in design and architecture

PARTNER
Regional Civil Engineering Laboratory Acores (LREC), University of Porto, University of Naples, Mario Festa (Architect), Chiara Mazarella (Architect and PhD Evaluation and Urbanism)
2019 - ONGOING
In a material based research and experimentation process we investigate the potentials of regional raw and man made mineral resources such as soils, rocks, and other sediments combining their specific technical performances with aesthetic values.

Within the TERRA TALE Framework we set up various Case Studies, beginning with ENDOGENOUS AZORES  and REFUSED MATTER.
Through the development of composite materials, design of objects as well as architectural applications in specific locations that we choose in our Case Studies, we translate the material investigation into contemporary artifacts that emphasize both, the beauty of mineral resources as well as their local cultural and economical significance as building and craft materials. 

Based on the evaluation of specific characteristics of the geogenic resources, our aim is to develop concepts that include sustainable alternatives for the extraction, transformation and utilisation of these materials, adapting and implementing them in the regional areas where the materials have their origin.

INVESTIGATION SITES

WORKING WITH LOCAL RAW AND MAN-MADE MATERIALS AS WELL AS LOW ENERGY PROCESSING TO CREATE CEMENTIOUS COMPOSITES

The locally sourced, mineral-based composite materials mainly contain specific recycled aggregates from construction waste with hydraulic properties, a small amount of local pozzolanic soils and ashes. Some material variations were designed with the addition of natural polymer obtained from food production waste.

The colours vary from beige and grey to reddish and yellowish mixed tones based on the raw materials used and additionally enhanced by adding locally available natural pigments.

Applying low energy processes and long curing periods allows to reduce CO2 emissions and at the same time to produce a very durable composite material, that continues to mature over time in the field.

ENDOGENOUS ACORES

SAN MIGUEL, ACORES
37° 46′ N, 25° 28′ W

The Acores are the first investigation site of the TERRA TALE project. In studio experiments and together with our local partner LREC we tested recipes, that potentially be a viable alternative to Portland cement products and and on the other hand offer numerous possibilities for the further development of different consistencies into decorative and functional building materials such as plaster, mortar or solid materials such as facade panels.

The design work focuses on the development of architectural facade panels that sensitively fit in regional contexts on the Acores islands and furthermore could  bring a acorean regional appearance to other architectural contexts across Europe.

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Alongside our interest in mineral-based materials, the project originates from the need to contribute critically and constructively to the broader discourse on the environmental issues caused by the intense anthropogenic activity associated with the extraction and production of mineral natural resources.The relevance of soil and minerals for industrial production is undeniable, as well as the fact that the way in which they have been exploited and used up to date is no longer sustainable.

FOLLOWING THE 
NEED FOR VIABLE 
BUILDING MATERIALS WE ARE DEVELOPING ALTERNATIVES TO 
PORTLAND 
CEMENT PRODUCTS AND SEARCHING FOR ALTERNATIVES TO THE IRREVERSIBLE DESTRUCTION THROUGH STRIP MINING.

We ensure that the composites we are working on:

* include no harmful substances
* produce significantly less CO2 emissions
* use low energy processes
* reduce waste water
* have high durability
* and high mechanical strength
* support healthy indoor climate
* are recyclable along same product type like cycle

REFUSED MATTER

SAN MIGUEL, ACORES
37° 46′ N, 25° 28′ W

After diving deeper into the potentials of mineral resources for building materials we ended up, trying to find alternatives to strip mining in our project REFUSED MATTER, in which we make use of the specific properties of agricultural waste materials, that also could potentially be used in compounds for building applications.

The design work focuses on the development of architectural facade panels that sensitively fit in regional contexts on the Acores islands and furthermore could  bring a acorean regional appearance to other architectural contexts across Europe.

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HOW TO BUILD AN ISLAND

Part of the results of our work during the project ENDOGENOUS ACORES were shown in a group exhibition at
The ARQUIPÉLAGO - Center for Contemporary Arts.

HOW TO BUILD AN ISLAND showed works by various designers who use local resources in their work
and reflect the cultural heritage of the Acores.

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