Java and Jam Pavilions by i/thee: A Sustainable Fusion of Computational Design and Bio-Composite Materials
Java and Jam Pavilions by i/thee fuse computational design with biodegradable materials, creating sustainable, parametric structures using coffee grounds and grape pomace.
The Java and Jam Pavilions by i/thee are groundbreaking experimental structures that push the boundaries of sustainable architecture and bio-composite materials. Built for the Bethel Woods Art and Architecture Festival, these pavilions showcase a seamless integration of parametric design, digital fabrication, and traditional wattle-and-daub techniques. The project represents an innovative approach to eco-friendly construction, utilizing organic waste materials such as spent coffee grounds and white grape pomace to create biodegradable architectural forms.
Innovative Use of Bio-Composites in Architecture
The Java and Jam Pavilions are clad in a unique bio-composite mixture that replaces conventional cement-based materials with organic waste aggregates. Instead of using traditional mud daub, the architects experimented with coffee grounds, grape pomace, sawdust, and cultivated straw, bound together with non-toxic adhesives.
- Java Pavilion: Utilizes spent coffee grounds, sawdust, and straw to create an earthy, textural façade.
- Jam Pavilion: Features a mix of white grape pomace, a byproduct of winemaking, combined with food-safe PVA glue and sawdust.
This innovative approach not only reduces construction waste but also promotes the circular economy by repurposing agricultural and food industry byproducts.
Parametric Design Meets Sustainable Construction
A key feature of the Java and Jam Pavilions is their use of computational design and digital fabrication. The structures were designed using Grasshopper 3D, Karamba3D, and Trimble software, which enabled the creation of an undulating ruled surface.
Fabrication Process:
- Parametric Form-Finding – Custom coding was used to generate a digitally optimized geometry.
- Material Optimization – The plywood sheets were cut with a kerf pattern that allowed for flexibility while maintaining structural integrity.
- Assembly – The wood lath was manually cut and re-rolled to shape the structure before being plastered with the bio-composite slurry.
This process highlights how digital tools can work in harmony with traditional handcraft techniques, paving the way for more sustainable construction methods.
Historic and Cultural Context: A Nod to Woodstock
The Java and Jam Pavilions were exhibited at the Catbird Music Festival, held at the historic site of Woodstock. These pavilions serve as an architectural homage to the site's cultural and artistic legacy, embodying the spirit of experimentation and environmental consciousness.
Resting gently on the Woodstock grounds, the fluid and organic forms of the pavilions resemble golden-brown ribbons caught in motion. The project not only demonstrates an aesthetic sensitivity to its environment but also promotes a discourse on biodegradable architecture and sustainable design innovations.
A Step Toward the Future of Eco-Friendly Architecture
The Java and Jam Pavilions represent a forward-thinking approach to sustainable architecture by combining:
- Eco-conscious materials derived from food industry waste
- Computational design and digital fabrication for optimized structures
- Handcrafted assembly methods to preserve traditional building techniques
This project challenges conventional automated fabrication processes and instead fosters a balanced relationship between technology and human craftsmanship.
By advocating for biodegradable building materials and low-impact construction techniques, i/thee has successfully created a project that is not just an architectural experiment but also a provocative statement on the future of sustainable building practices.
The Java and Jam Pavilions by i/thee stand as exemplary models of how biodegradable materials, computational design, and traditional craftsmanship can come together to shape the future of sustainable architecture. These pavilions challenge the status quo, advocating for a construction industry that is not only technologically advanced but also deeply rooted in environmental consciousness and cultural heritage.
