from excavation to elevation

From Excavation to Elevation

Kuidas.works began a research project in 2022, aiming to explore the potential use of excavation leftovers from new real estate developments in Tallinn, Estonia, specifically those from Sõpruse pst. In collaboration with the Department of Geology at the University of Tartu, these excavation materials were identified as originating from the ancient Baltic Ice Lake, approximately 10,000 years old.

The project focused on converting the excavated clay into usable building materials, leading to the development of "Mustamäe Gray”, combining excavation residues, crushed concrete, and limestone production byproducts.

As part of the project, the studio is compiling detailed instructions and documentation for architects and designers, highlighting the practical, sustainable use of excavation waste and aligning with the studio’s commitment to promoting sustainable and efficient building practices.

In 2024, kuidas.works was selected as a LINA Fellow to develop the project further. LINA is a European platform connecting emerging practitioners working at the intersection of architecture and spatial culture, steering design and building processes towards regenerative practices and principles of de-growth.

Research & exhibition by
Andrea Tamm, Hannes Praks, Maria Luiga, Henri Papson (kuidas.works)

Additional help: Tiit Roots, Kalev Ramjalg, Mikk Luht, Marko Kikas, Malvo Tominga, Helari Sirelpuu, Ott Kangur, Sven Samÿn, Rosa Shepherd, Benedikt Rittger, Aimur Takk, Jaan Škerin

Graphic design
Aimur Takk

Photo credits
Maria Luiga

Year
2023

Media (EST)

sirp.ee/s1-artiklid/arhitektuur/mustamae-halliga-kestvamasse-tulevikku/

kultuur.err.ee/1608997420/galerii-viimsi-artiumis-avati-kaasaegse-kunsti-naitus-maast-linnaks

The process from excavation to elevation

material sourcing from a construction site, drying the clay-rich earth and preparing for production

developing recipes for rammed earth mix and compressed earth blocks

producing unfired compressed earth blocks

developing recipes for paint and plaster series titled “Mustamäe Hall”

developing the concept for test wall

The exhibition piece, 1:1 test-wall, was entirely made of leftover soil and crushed concrete and built using different techniques - rammed earth base and compressed earth blocks, clay paint, and plaster.

The same clay was used to paint the temporary exhibition title (“Maast linnaks” in Estonian) on the gallery facade.

Graphic design by Aimur Takk.