Photography: Lara Jacinto

Biochar house combines hemp-block construction and a sustainable wood structure with research into alternative natural temperature regulation systems. As an experiment, the projects advocates that architecture can mitigate the current double course of environmental degradation through the adoption of naturally grown architectural materials, maintaining synergies with agricultural systems and forest maintenance. Pedrêz uses hemp - a renewable material that has been shown to regenerate depleted soils - due to its high percentage of silica, whichmakes it water and fire resistant. Meanwhile, biochar, or the carbonization of wood in the absence of oxugen, creates a natural, scalable air and water filter for ventilation purposes and the removal of water contaminants.

Text by Pedro Gadanho for Generation Proxima at New York Center for Architecture