Turns drafty townhome into tranquil Cork Passive House

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  • čas přidán 7. 09. 2024
  • To insulate a drafty, rundown home in Barcelona while making it as healthy as possible and also “perfectly integrated into the urban forest,” architect Elisabetta Quarta Colosso wrapped the entire thing in cork.
    Not only are the interior walls, the roof, and the floors covered in cork insulation, but the entire back facade of the home is clad in cork. Since cork material is simply tree bark (it’s a renewable material since cork oak trees are preserved and only the bark is harvested every 9 to 11 years), it blends seamlessly with the surrounding trees of the backyard garden.
    Quarta Colosso wanted to use natural materials whenever possible in the home’s remodel, so she experimented with materials like chalk floors instead of microcement and clay walls that don’t need paint since they naturally reflect the wide range of colors of the earth (greens, oranges, reds, etc.).
    The backyard house, formerly the servants’ quarters, was refurbished as an office and library with natural bricks (from a local factory) stacked to create a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf. Every space is utilized; even a small lightwell off the bedroom was wrapped in cork and is now a meditation space (cork absorbs sound).
    The home is a passive house, relying on strategies like passive solar - all the trees are deciduous to block summer light and allow for winter sun - and a ventilated underfloor cavity and vents on the facades to promote passive cross ventilation from north to south. While the house passed the “blower door test” ensuring the doors and windows don’t leak, the home's walls are all-natural - cork, brick, and clay - so the house “breathes,” allowing for clean indoor air quality.
    [Watch another of Elisabetta Quarta Colosso's houses, also cork-clad for insulation, this time in a rural environment near Barcelona • Cork-clad home uses Tr... ].
    www.elfilverd....
    On *faircompanies: faircompanies....

Komentáře • 185

  • @not2tees
    @not2tees Před rokem +7

    How clearly and interestingly she expresses herself, and with some charming accent of Catelonia.

  • @wildlifegardenssydney7492

    So many wonderful sustainable ideas. A breathable, naturally coloured, exquisitely put together home. I loved the vintage bedroom furniture and quilt too.

  • @speedbuggy16v
    @speedbuggy16v Před rokem +35

    I love it, and I learned something, I had always assumed there was a binder added to it. I had not idea the resin from the tree and heat was all it took. That has to be one QUIET house! The semi polished clay is gorgeous. Beautiful home.

  • @spartahill
    @spartahill Před rokem +37

    Aside from being an excellent episode, I think I’ve identified my architect when the time come to reimagine my home in two to three years. Thanks on both accounts.

  • @shanechang2015
    @shanechang2015 Před rokem +32

    It all looks as it if was all always meant to be there. Pure perfection.

  • @pgrieger
    @pgrieger Před rokem +29

    fell in love with cork, the phenomenal building and living concept as well as the breathtaking presentation...WOW!
    Kirsten, I forgot...been watching and following your great footage from the beginning...your wonderful children are growing in the process. very special to feel being part of your path.

  • @tinayoga8844
    @tinayoga8844 Před rokem +31

    I laughed when she said that was winter. I have been looking at snow for almost four months already.

    • @david100483
      @david100483 Před rokem

      lol I thought the same thing. I would like to have this material on my home but I don’t think it would stand the harsh weather. Winter’s constant freeze/thaw process in northeast USA would likely degrade the cork unless treated with chemicals.
      Either way, what an awesome home!

  • @photographer-gf
    @photographer-gf Před rokem +10

    So far, every new Kirsten Dirksen video I've seen has brightened my day. Thanks, looking forward to many, many more!

  • @mikecranapple8878
    @mikecranapple8878 Před rokem +2

    Love that bookshelf LADDER with the platform built in at the top of it!

  • @willow-wf3jf
    @willow-wf3jf Před rokem +3

    This home is stunningly beautiful. So well done. The architect has a great command of the English language as well. It's amazing how little clutter the owner has as well. Very soothing.

  • @teresaprice5070
    @teresaprice5070 Před rokem +4

    PHENOMENAL! 💖 Honestly, for 40+ years, I have asserted that these types of innovation should be the standard...if we're serious about stewarding our planet. 😎🌵

  • @juliamcdonald5245
    @juliamcdonald5245 Před rokem +7

    Another great aspect of cork is its fire resistant properties, including when it is still on the tree, it’s an amazing material

  • @JasRaymond1
    @JasRaymond1 Před rokem +3

    The property is amazing as is the Architect . I love what she did with the natural building materials and the natural ventilation.

  • @classifiedinformation6353

    In my sculpture class at University, the process of mould making utilized the same method of water proofing as the bathroom walls. Our plaster moulds were prepaired by wetting the interior with a surgical soap. This soap and plaster combination caused a chemical reaction resulting in a very smooth and water resistant finish. My shop has plaster over brick walls. These walls can not be painted with modern paint that doesn't breathe. I believe the form of wall discussed in this excellent video will work for me and my 175 year of house. Thanks Kristen(and husband).

    • @willow-wf3jf
      @willow-wf3jf Před rokem

      wow, that is so interesting. Thanks for sharing.

  • @wildcard3942
    @wildcard3942 Před rokem +2

    That’s a lot of energy to make a natural material for some out side siding

  • @sharonadlam3195
    @sharonadlam3195 Před rokem +28

    Another great video Kirsten, thank you. Some amazing concepts used in this house, the chalk backsplash and floor for example. ☺☺

  • @chantik
    @chantik Před rokem +27

    Genuinely inspiring, I loved this one! Not just style but substance.

  • @CausticLemons7
    @CausticLemons7 Před rokem +11

    Beautiful, efficient, and very natural; what an absolutely lovely home.

  • @LK-Design
    @LK-Design Před rokem +10

    Beautiful! What wonderful techniques to learn about!

  • @Chereese0808
    @Chereese0808 Před rokem +7

    This is fantastic.
    I love everything about this home.
    Plus it's gorgeous.
    Hopefully these experimental surfaces will be used in most homes in the future.
    Another awesome video Kirsten.
    Thank you. ♡

  • @raroraroraroo9675
    @raroraroraroo9675 Před rokem +5

    This type of susteinable architecture, that is healthier for the occupants and the enviroment, is gaining popularity. Clean air, water and spirit with a low enviromental impact. I would love to see a project where the spiritual side had more protagonism. A Tadao Ando meets Passive House and healthy enviroment project.

  • @nancyb2003
    @nancyb2003 Před rokem +1

    Amazing how innovation ties so strongly to ancient technology. I greatly admire the world you are showing us, Kirsten Dirksen. In a world of materials manufactured in ways that are harmful to our earth, I am heartened to see such passion for true healthy living.

  • @Snovitonia
    @Snovitonia Před rokem +1

    Thank you for sharing. Seems like a dream home for those sensitive to sounds and/or loving to live and work in a space not affected by the sounds from the outside.

  • @patriciafay-magiera1304
    @patriciafay-magiera1304 Před rokem +1

    This video is a treasure of information! The cork everywhere protects and connects. It especially connects people to the environment and natural world inside, and through the windows, it connects one to the variety of nature as it reacts to the seasons outside. What a marvelous creation by such humane architects and engineers! Thank you for presenting this experience! God bless you! Patricia

  • @ahomeinpisgahontheroad4481

    Beautiful and functional and earth friendly!

  • @kiukk9288
    @kiukk9288 Před rokem +1

    Monday morning, coffee & kirsten's last video, well done!👍

  • @normanmerrill1241
    @normanmerrill1241 Před rokem +2

    Fantastic project…I love cork…all the natural materials make this a beautiful, responsible build…thanks

  • @tomt637
    @tomt637 Před rokem +2

    This is a great house with so many features. I found it funny I installed that giant tank a month ago in a new house in Cambridge. We were using it as an attenuation tank for a massive house due to the awful heavy clay soils.

  • @ecoconil
    @ecoconil Před rokem +3

    Very interesting to see cork being used in this way. Cork is certainly growing in popularity but not convinced about this type of application regarding durability and cost of the application:-)

  • @winstonsmith1457
    @winstonsmith1457 Před rokem

    One of my favourites architechts reviewed in this channel because the knowledge of natural materials.

  • @a.l.a.7847
    @a.l.a.7847 Před rokem +3

    beyond gorgeous -- brilliant thought process and design resulting in the most livable space!

  • @ernestinasanchez5305
    @ernestinasanchez5305 Před rokem +1

    Such beautiful and innovative techniques used in this wonderful renovation. Thank you for finding and sharing this treasure. Great video.

  • @beatrizpena4565
    @beatrizpena4565 Před rokem +2

    Gorgeous and healthy place.

  • @awakening4210
    @awakening4210 Před rokem +3

    Gorgeous and brilliant. Congratulations for both the architect and the video makers. Exciting ideas over all. Many thanks.

  • @playGEMJI
    @playGEMJI Před rokem +1

    Another great video. Cork is a beautiful material with so many applications and ways of use.

  • @larrypilcher3791
    @larrypilcher3791 Před rokem

    Looks great. Here in British Columbia there are lots of wildfires. No cork trees here also. Stone, tile, and tin combined with a traditional timber frame internal structure is what is used. Ready for the category nine is a practical idea. The Cascadia mega quake event is overdue. According to the earth scientists.

  • @kristinaginorio1344
    @kristinaginorio1344 Před rokem

    What a lovely gem.

  • @michellemullally9217
    @michellemullally9217 Před rokem

    This is wonderful❤ it’s a tree house without the 🌳

  • @brettsalter3300
    @brettsalter3300 Před rokem +1

    What a phenomenal transformation! Cork! Most educational, the vision these owners had considering the original look of the place is truly gifted. Love their taste both overall and in the details. Many incredible ideas, I hope all future home builds take on this spiritually inspired functionality.

  • @GotDangJosh
    @GotDangJosh Před rokem

    Supercool cork aesthetic. The house is a complete system. Super smart choices & options. Thank y’all.

  • @bigsarge2085
    @bigsarge2085 Před rokem +1

    Incredible.

  • @mikealbrecht3990
    @mikealbrecht3990 Před rokem +1

    I enjoy each video. Lots of creative ideas. The papyrus in the pond will expand and crowd out the pond - I had papyrus in a 5 gallon bucket (in an outdoor water feature) the split the bucket.

  • @casslarkin4567
    @casslarkin4567 Před rokem

    Incredible architect and the most beautiful and enchanting home I think I've ever seen!

  • @Erika-gm2tf
    @Erika-gm2tf Před rokem +2

    Just brilliant. So thoughtful and beautiful. How can we make beautiful and sustainable dwellings for all?

  • @SequoiaElisabeth
    @SequoiaElisabeth Před rokem +2

    The cork house ignites the imagination. What a loving, natural home! Love lives there.

  • @scottg.g.haller3291
    @scottg.g.haller3291 Před rokem +1

    I recall that Marcel Proust lived and wrote in a bedroom insulated with cork walls to maximize the silence so that he could focus on his thoughts.
    I imagine that acoustical treatment might also be useful to the neighbors if the residents like doing loud things like cranking the sound system or playing musical instruments.

  • @adapa22
    @adapa22 Před rokem +1

    Tris is amazing! Thank you for sharing. I want this in my house!

  • @emilyeah
    @emilyeah Před rokem

    Brilliant. Thanks for sharing. Loved listening to this lovely womans voice melody and accent ❤️

  • @skd7028
    @skd7028 Před rokem

    An outstanding design.

  • @guillermoherlt5141
    @guillermoherlt5141 Před rokem +8

    Nice. Sometimes it would be great to know the name/make of the products being used, in this case the cork with the structured surface. Beautiful

  • @whoami6702
    @whoami6702 Před rokem

    ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT DESIGN & EXQUISITELY, TIMELESSLY BEAUTIFUL.
    Thank you for another superb episode.

  • @lexiconlover
    @lexiconlover Před rokem

    I could listen to Elisabetta talk all day 😊

  • @TheDrKKool
    @TheDrKKool Před rokem +1

    Beautiful footage, towards the end.

  • @blueman5924
    @blueman5924 Před rokem +1

    Beautiful. Architecturally and structurally.👏

  • @chrisbgifford7387
    @chrisbgifford7387 Před rokem +1

    Brilliant ideas and finishes.

  • @carolinawren3594
    @carolinawren3594 Před rokem

    stunning! works effortlessly with deep punched wall openings - and wood surrounds. and then the interiors! Kirsten's cinematography as always looks effortless and endlessly enjoyable.

  • @rhondashotwell7358
    @rhondashotwell7358 Před rokem

    Very cool, and a smart way to build!

  • @sidedoor38
    @sidedoor38 Před rokem +3

    Beautiful home, love the brick bookshelves, although they might be rough on the book bottoms.

  • @dollarette
    @dollarette Před rokem +2

    I like the no paint idea. I wonder how the cork stands up to insects.

  • @danpaul4594
    @danpaul4594 Před rokem +7

    So motivating to find people building with ecological materials. A big house change from its older looks. Is it possible to find out where to source the cork blocks they used - I would be very grateful for the information, Thank You.

  • @andresespinoza9760
    @andresespinoza9760 Před rokem

    Incredible!! So good. It looks good and i love the fact that they create a space with an acoustic experience!

  • @winstonsmith1457
    @winstonsmith1457 Před rokem +1

    Thanks for bring us more ideas.

  • @tonywilson7155
    @tonywilson7155 Před rokem

    stunning house!

  • @jacksmith4266
    @jacksmith4266 Před rokem

    Resin and glue are chemicals, so that bark isn't chemical free. There's bark slabs which are glue-free and resin-free available, but these are not those.
    Beautiful and magnificent material, sound proofing, insulating, natural and great looking.

    • @dubididubidi
      @dubididubidi Před 4 měsíci

      the panels are composed only by cork..when heated cork release its natural resin that glues all the pieces togheter...they do not add anything

  • @albongo3949
    @albongo3949 Před rokem

    Beautiful and thoughtful home and building

  • @janebishop5885
    @janebishop5885 Před rokem +1

    Wow. Impressive.

  • @MakeMeThinkAgain
    @MakeMeThinkAgain Před rokem

    Love the residents diving out of the shots. There should be a blooper reel.

  • @mimi_pesss
    @mimi_pesss Před rokem +2

    Beautiful work! ❤

  • @herokindon
    @herokindon Před rokem

    I found the garden both relatable and inspiring :)

  • @Jagueyes1
    @Jagueyes1 Před rokem +3

    Beautiful work by a beautiful architect.

  • @whereisplain
    @whereisplain Před rokem

    Kirsten, I love your channel. So grateful for your videos. So many inspirations. It´s truly a movement you document and you kind of give an extra generator onto it because of this whole collection from everywhere in the world we would never see without you, that enhances our motivation to take ideas from and do it too.

  • @lucybaker1808
    @lucybaker1808 Před rokem

    Loved this house and video, lots of ideas, enjoyed the architect explaining the technical details too - thanks for sharing! ❤

  • @loujohnson3735
    @loujohnson3735 Před rokem +7

    And they will never need a memo board ever again 🥳

  • @agne4670
    @agne4670 Před rokem

    Greatly inspiring - ideas and whole vision behind it - thank you, for spreading the knowledge and the beauty🙏💕

  • @missglenellen
    @missglenellen Před rokem

    Such a gem! Thanks for sharing!

  • @taliasya2273
    @taliasya2273 Před rokem

    You always find amazing homes but this has to be top of my favorite list! Thank you for sharing this with us.

  • @dorislv5962
    @dorislv5962 Před rokem

    So inspiring! Thanks for the creative designer and thanks for sharing!

  • @EVERGLOW828
    @EVERGLOW828 Před rokem

    Wow… absolutely beautiful home. Thanks for sharing

  • @juli1037
    @juli1037 Před rokem +2

    Love the idea behind. Nature is the best!

  • @georgekrpan3181
    @georgekrpan3181 Před rokem +1

    This got me thinking of using expanded cork bricks or blocks to build a house on the inside of a barn or barnlike structure. They are light and easy to handle and work with, have a Class B fire rating, have a R4 per inch insulation rating, and have a beautiful look, no need for drywall in the interior.

    • @sun1one1
      @sun1one1 Před rokem +1

      There is a house like that, in fact I think Kirsten did a video on it.

    • @georgekrpan3181
      @georgekrpan3181 Před rokem

      @@sun1one1 Yes, by Adam Kalkin. My idea is more DIY. The interior house doesn't have to be very substantially built. It will never be subjected to the weather. A tent would do but tents aren't very warm.

    • @blueman5924
      @blueman5924 Před rokem

      But, your barn will neither be fire resistant, or weatherproof on the outside. :/

    • @georgekrpan3181
      @georgekrpan3181 Před rokem

      @@blueman5924 Steel barn.

  • @patboudotlamot
    @patboudotlamot Před rokem

    excellent

  • @yowwwwie
    @yowwwwie Před rokem +1

    KD- one of your best yet.....
    יוי

  • @Danny_Boel
    @Danny_Boel Před rokem +44

    Nice, it only costs a small fortune.

    • @ecoconil
      @ecoconil Před rokem +3

      The cost is not that bad normally. Maybe this application is, but normally very cost effective due to its weight.

    • @Danny_Boel
      @Danny_Boel Před rokem +1

      @@ecoconil I found a Dutch company that sells it at 65 Euro for a sq. meter of 70mm, and 50 Euro for a sq. meter of 40mm.
      Maybe it is cheaper in Spain, I don't know.
      I do admit it looks cool though.
      Also, I have no idea of the R-value compared with traditional foam insulation combined with stone cladding.

    • @Danny_Boel
      @Danny_Boel Před rokem +4

      @@ecoconil After looking up some prices of PIR insulation I found 50Euro buys me 1 sq Meter of 140mm thick, which is becoming standard in new buildings here in Belgium

    • @ecoconil
      @ecoconil Před rokem +3

      @@Danny_Boelis that installed? R value depends on wall it is being applied too. Thickness can be from 1.5cm + depending on the R value you are looking for. So after knowing material of your walls a calculation is made. Most people here go for between 2 and 7cm but we have different insulation regulations and needs.

    • @ecoconil
      @ecoconil Před rokem +5

      @@Danny_Boel I think people going for cork are looking for that natural feeling. If you have ever been in a home with a cork and clay finish it is a special feeling. Synthetic insulation will always be cheaper than natural.

  • @helenfederoff7603
    @helenfederoff7603 Před rokem +3

    That's absolutely beautiful ❤

  • @pinealism
    @pinealism Před rokem +3

    I feel like manufacturing cork like that would have suited Frank Lloyd Wright really well.

  • @tormentisaeternum
    @tormentisaeternum Před rokem +1

    Very Interesting. Wondering if Cork is sustainable in high humidity and rainfall climate like Singapore.

  • @septemberamyx
    @septemberamyx Před rokem

    Wonderful and awesome information!

  • @alancawfield6549
    @alancawfield6549 Před rokem +2

    I'll be honest after reading the headline I expected at first this house to be in Cork in Ireland

  • @laurieedeburn2449
    @laurieedeburn2449 Před rokem +1

    thanks

  • @ManivaHouse
    @ManivaHouse Před rokem

    Fantastic

  • @karenubungen3501
    @karenubungen3501 Před rokem

    Bark as wall is something different,quite nice actually ,I like anything natural too even it is a home😃👍

  • @madq1826
    @madq1826 Před rokem

    Lovely 💚💚💚

  • @therealkrystalvintage
    @therealkrystalvintage Před rokem +1

    awesome 🤾🏻🎶💎💐🌼🌷🌺🤩🪷

  • @teresamartini10
    @teresamartini10 Před rokem +1

    It's lovely, but isn't that cork cladding super flammable?

  • @catface101
    @catface101 Před rokem +1

    The design on the cork makes it look like a pineapple :)

  • @musicisagoodvibe
    @musicisagoodvibe Před rokem

    Beautifullllll

  • @GoingsoloinFrance
    @GoingsoloinFrance Před rokem

    Great video 🙂

  • @bentnickel7487
    @bentnickel7487 Před rokem +1

    Cork changed colors when it got wet, because it was holding moisture, not something you would want, next to concrete.

    • @blueman5924
      @blueman5924 Před rokem

      Yes, I was wondering how the joints were sealed to keep the moisture from getting behind the cork and promoting mold growth.

  • @cathconnolly5742
    @cathconnolly5742 Před rokem

    Absolutely great stuff. Would like to get a rough idea of some of the costs.

  • @CarolGasses
    @CarolGasses Před rokem +1

    Guessing that cork is more resilient to water and heat than my Birkenstock sandals. 🙃