Kathryn Larsen is transforming the landscape of architecture using eelgrass. Drawing inspiration from Danish women who revolutionised construction methods, this designer builds prefabricated thatched panels made from the plant. “Eelgrass was used in the Middle Ages to create roof thatches and could withstand any weather condition,” she says. “But today in Denmark over 22 000 tonnes of eelgrass is thrown away and wasted every single year.” Through her thesis Seaweed Thatch Reimagined, Larsen is not only saving this valuable material, she’s reviving it to craft modern designs.
The spirit of innovative architecture has always permeated the shores of Denmark. When communities on the island of Læsø ran out of timber, they turned to eelgrass to build their thatched homes. Women would harvest the eelgrass, dry it, and then wrap it around pine branches to create strong roofing. But the availability of eelgrass declined in the 1930s as a result of a devastating disease. Larsen is now experimenting with the potential uses for eelgrass, which is naturally resistant to fire and rot. “A lot of my work does deal with this very beautiful visual thatching technique, but at the same time I'm a big advocate of using it as insulation as well because that’s the easiest, most accessible way to use it in construction,” she says.
For Larsen, returning to these centuries-old techniques is crucial to creating durable homes. “By looking at our past we may find the material we need to build a better future,” she says. Larsen’s commitment to harnessing eelgrass and traditional methods saw her nominated as a finalist for the 2020 SDG Copenhagen Tech Awards People’s Choice and the 2021 Green Concept Award. “I hope that architecture will be more inclusive towards people but also towards the environment,” she says.
Footage and photos by Kelley Hudson, Kathryn Larsen and Anders Lorentzen were used in the creation of this film.
