The Heal, Home, Hmm pavilion by Roo Dhissou, co-designed with Intervention Architecture, is installed at the V&A for London Design Festival. Drawing on Punjabi mud construction methods, the modular structure demonstrates how cob can be reintroduced into contemporary building. Walls made from clay, straw, hemp, and sand sit within a timber frame, combining ancient practice with modern modular design. The cob was sourced from HS2 excavation sites, diverting material from landfill and highlighting the value of natural, local resources.
Arched openings, cob panels, and a flat roof terrace bring both function and expression to the pavilion. Dhissou was inspired by her childhood home in Punjab, where cob walls once coexisted with newer concrete additions. By updating the technique into a flat-pack system, the project suggests future possibilities for housing that are breathable, sustainable, and resistant to mould. The pavilion shows how vernacular knowledge can shape resilient design today.
Image Credit: V&A.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Sustainable Building Materials
- Reclaimed materials like cob offer eco-friendly alternatives in construction, reducing waste and promoting sustainable resource usage.
- Modular Architecture Design
- Adaptive modular structures allow traditional materials like cob to be used in versatile and innovative designs, enhancing building adaptability.
- Vernacular Construction Practices
- Integrating ancient building techniques into modern designs revitalizes cultural heritage and creates resilient architectural solutions.
Where This Applies
- Green Construction
- The integration of natural resources such as cob in building projects aligns with the growing demand for eco-friendly construction practices.
- Architecture and Design
- Architectural firms can explore incorporating local and traditional materials within contemporary modular frameworks to diversify design portfolios.
- Waste Management
- Repurposing excavation site materials like cob for construction promotes innovative waste reduction strategies and sustainable urban planning.
