Oral Presentation World Sustainable Built Environment Conference 2026

Verification of the applicability of the Vernacular Architecture of the 21st century concept: the Naturdorf Bärnau. (132106)

Redina Mazelli 1 , Philip Chinedu Iroagbalachi 1 , Andreas Mann 2 , Andrea Bocco 1
  1. DIST - Interuniversity Department of Regional and Urban Studies and Planning, Politecnico di Torino, Torino, Italy
  2. Naturdorf Bärnau, Bärnau, Bavaria, Germany

This study is based upon Bocco and Habert’s definition of a ‘vernacular architecture of the 21st century’. This theoretical proposal can be summarised in four criteria; a ‘new vernacular’ building should: be mainly made of/with locally available resources; have a very low environmental footprint; meet real expectations of contemporary users; and be intended for ordinary, local people.

The case study is Naturdorf Bärnau. Located next to the border between Czechia and Germany, the four holiday homes compound is conceived as a long-term experiment aimed at exploring the opportunities traditional techniques and natural materials offer to contemporary construction practices.

The paper assesses how the case study is consistent with the concept of a ‘new vernacular’. A systemic investigation of the building process was based on verified sources representing the as-built situation. A Life Cycle Assessment was performed for stages A1-A5. Carbon emissions were evaluated through IPCC2021, and biogenic CO2 assessment followed EN16449. The environmental impact is very low thanks to low-carbon elements, such as reinforced concrete-free foundations, the substantial incorporation of bio-based materials which serve as carbon sinks and a crafts-based production process.

The supply chains of construction materials were investigated to account for their ‘localness’. The meticulous choices allowed most materials to be sourced within a very limited radius. Furthermore, the analysis explored the money flows to show the implications of design choices in reinforcing the local economy. The Economic Nutrition model was implemented to trace where the money goes and what it pays for. A significant portion of the investment was employed to buy local products and work, as a consequence of the labour-intensive construction process.

While critical perspectives are emerging regarding the methodology used to assess ‘new vernacular’ criteria, this case study offers an outstanding example of their practical feasibility within a contemporary set of requirements and goals.