In the heather fields of Drenthe, Alissa Rees her idea was to give participants the unique experience of building their own summerhouse within 24 hours. With the availability of the simple building technique ‘string the loam’ a temporarily hamlet will arise. For the one that wants an outdoor experience, want to learn the value of teamwork and the beauty of simplicity.
24 hours hamlet
In the heather fields of Drenthe, Alissa Rees gives participants the unique experience of building their own summerhouse within 24 hours. The participants will stay in their hand- and heartcrafted summerhouse for a maximum duration of 3 months.
Rees was inspired by an old local story, in which it is told that the poorest workers of Drenthe were required to build up their sod house within 24 hours, before the sun would rise. Interviews with local inhabitants revealed mixed beliefs on whether this story was actually true or not. With the 24 hours hamlet project, the mythical story becomes reality.
During the process of the project a challenging aspect arose: Rees wanted the participants to have the freedom in creativity and own input on the shape and interior of their summer house, while at the same time being chased by the pressuring time limit of 24 hours. Rees expects that the time challenge might promote the flourishing of teamwork, and the initial pressure should give way to a greater sense of satisfaction afterwards.
Loam is a local material exploited in Drenthe. To have this balance in creativity and time limit Rees came up with the system ‘string the loam’. With the simple building technique a temporarily summerhouse will easily arise by stringing the stones on wooden poles. Simultaneously there is still the possibility to create different shapes and to give it a personal touch.
To visualize the feeling and to introduce the event Rees created an introduction movie in which she simulate the heather fields and introduces the event clear and playful. She creates a model as an example and a booklet for the one who wants to know the event in every aspect. Rees researched every detail, from the sizes of the nails that will be used to the prices per day of the duration of the summerhouse.
24 hour hamlet is an event accessible for everyone. For the creative advanced builders and the ‘always want to build a house starters’. It is a combination of current trends; customization, back to basic and the desire for a soothing experience. Made for the one that wants an unique event, want to learn the value of teamwork and the beauty of simplicity.
