Reconstructing a Practice
‘Reconstructing a Practice’ explores the evolution and craft of the ancient eelgrass thatched houses on the Danish Island of ‘Læsø’. A study into the historical, cultural and ecological past of the island reveals the former contextual practices of the local building processes, and forms a future perspective towards maintaining the rich cultural heritage.
The washed up eelgrass on the shores of the island, as well as various other surrounding resources, have for centuries dictated the local building tradition. Being isolated on the island forced the inhabitants to regard the eelgrass as a replenishing building resource, giving birth to a local roof thatching tradition. While historical knowledge and craftsmanship are slowly fading away, the eelgrass carries a valuable heritage and strong ecological potential for further development.
YEAR:
FIELD:
MATERIALS:
2023
BUILDING CULTURES
MATERIAL NARRATION
EELGRASS
PINE WOOD
Through an in-situ period of untangling the hidden eelgrass layers together with local craftsmen, the material narratives and properties of the eelgrass roofs have become visible. By documenting and working along with the roof-thatchers, traditional techniques and knowledge are being passed along and form the base for further development.
Restoring an eelgrass roof
This project aims at revitalising the local building culture amongst inhabitants, by passing on collected knowledge in an engaging setting. For this craft to sustain in the future, alternative eelgrass-based building methods need to be developed. An interactive installation on the island unfolds the original building process, and opens up to a collective moment of re-interpreting the initial thatching technique.
