Mea Terra, because our planet matters

The Mea Terra project is a groundbreaking pilot project that takes current villa construction to the next level by applying the principles of bio-based and regenerative building. The main objective is to demonstrate that luxurious, modern living can be achieved using renewable, natural materials, creating a living environment that is not only sustainable but also actively promotes the health of its residents. The first tangible result is a fully bio-based show home, built with materials such as hemp, wood and clay, all of which have been carefully selected for their low environmental impact and regenerative potential.

Inspired by Japanese architectural philosophies that emphasise simplicity, balance and harmony with nature, the house serves as a living example of what the future of sustainable building could look and feel like. The project aims to lead the transformation of luxury construction by demonstrating that bio-based materials can meet the highest standards of craftsmanship and design. It also aims to create a collaborative platform where innovators, builders, suppliers and clients can experience and promote sustainable building in practice. By providing a tangible, inspiring model, Mea Terra accelerates the sector’s transition to circular, low-carbon building systems. The impact is both ecological and cultural. Ecologically, it reduces the carbon footprint, eliminates petrochemical-based materials and promotes a closed-loop cycle of raw materials. Culturally, it acts as a catalyst for change, encouraging professionals, policymakers and clients to embrace natural materials, rethink established norms and invest in a healthier, regenerative future. This model home is more than just a house: it is a hub for inspiration, dialogue and action – accessible to all stakeholders in the construction sector.

Carl Koyen, Project Manager at Mea Terra, is convinced that the bio-based movement has a bright future in the construction sector.

“With Mea Terra, we aim to accelerate the transition towards a low-carbon construction sector by demonstrating that bio-based building materials can go hand in hand with high-quality design and sustainability.” He adds: “This creates a living environment that is not only environmentally conscious, but also actively promotes the health of its residents.”

The outer shell has now been expertly constructed by our team using lime-hemp blocks, and the CLT (cross-laminated timber) for the upper floor will soon be completed.

The combination of these two powerful, natural building materials offers numerous benefits; for instance, lime-hemp ensures exceptionally high thermal inertia, providing exceptional comfort in both summer and winter. Whereas traditional insulation materials merely block heat, lime-hemp goes a step further: it both insulates and buffers heat. The combination of insulation, mass, heat storage and moisture buffering creates a stable indoor climate. In addition, lime hemp ensures a healthy moisture balance indoors, which further enhances living comfort. The CLT interior walls and floor panels, in turn, create a solid, warm and stable core within the home.

All this results in a home that is not only beautiful and innovative, but also truly lives and breathes.