THE
REGENERATIVE
CABIN
| PROJECT TITLE | THE REGENERATIVE CABIN |
| YEAR | 2023 |
| LOCATION | COPENHAGEN, DENMARK |
| TYPOLOGY | CASE STUDY HOUSE |
| MATERIALS | SCORCHED OAK, CORK, EELGRASS, TIMBER, GRASS INSULATION |
| SIZE | 9 M2 |
| ROLE | ALL RESPONSIBILITIES |
The Regenerative Cabin in Copenhagen, Denmark, addresses the planetary crisis by showcasing regenerative, biogenic building materials that minimise embodied carbon emissions in construction.
The cabin promotes sustainable building practices and features materials such as timber framing, scorched upcycled oak facade cladding, an upcycled end-grain floor, grass insulation, and interior cork cladding, along with an eelgrass ceiling.
Its dark, moody atmosphere fosters creativity while highlighting the aesthetic qualities of bio-based materials. A large panoramic window connects the cabin with its natural surroundings.
The Regenerative Cabin is a small, cabin-like structure located in Copenhagen, Denmark, created in response to the planetary crisis of pollution, biodiversity loss, and greenhouse gas emissions. This project demonstrates how regenerative building materials can support sustainable, low-carbon construction practices, creating a healthier and more environmentally friendly building culture.
Built primarily from renewable, biogenic materials, the cabin showcases alternatives to industrial materials like concrete, steel, and mineral wool, which require intensive energy to produce. Instead, biogenic materials are naturally grown, emitting minimal CO₂ and pollution during their production. The project explores these materials not only for their technical performance but also for their aesthetic qualities and sensory experience, such as breathability, acoustic dampening, humidity control, colours, textures, and even scents. The cabin’s dark, creative atmosphere supports a calming, cave-like ambiance, with a large panoramic window bringing in natural light and connecting the space to its surroundings.
In keeping with principles of sustainability, the cabin’s timber frame can be easily disassembled and reassembled, allowing for repair and adaptability. A biogenic vapour retarder made from formaldehyde-free OSB board replaces a typical plastic vapour barrier, ensuring a breathable indoor environment. Practical choices, such as using burned up-cycled oak for the facade, embrace the natural patina of regenerative materials while enhancing durability.
The Regenerative Cabin is a collaborative self-build project, involving students from the Royal Danish Academy. This hands-on experience allowed them to engage deeply with biogenic materials, learning sustainable construction practices that merge both technical and aesthetic dimensions.
Supported by the Royal Danish Academy, the Danish Arts Foundation, and the Kuben Housing Fund, the cabin was exhibited at the 2023 World Congress of Architecture and as part of UNESCO’s World Capital of Architecture program in Copenhagen. Following these exhibitions, the cabin will be relocated to a permanent site, ensuring its continued use and avoiding the waste often associated with temporary structures.
