Clay Programme: Architecture from Local Earth
Contemporary architecture is increasingly returning to materials as a starting point for thinking and making. Among natural building materials, local earth stands out for its ability to serve multiple functions at once—as a structural system, a surface, a binding material, and a medium that carries cultural memory. Throughout history, it has shaped both everyday objects and entire architectural landscapes. Today, it is gaining renewed relevance as architects and builders seek more sustainable construction methods, rethink technologies, and reconnect with locally available resources.
Clay programme draws inspiration from the earthen building traditions and vernacular craftsmanship that have shaped Northern Lithuania, traces of which remain embedded in the region’s landscape and material heritage. Rather than restoring or replicating these traditions, it invites participants to continue the conversation within a contemporary context. Here, local earth becomes a material that connects territory, architecture, technology, and collaborative practice, opening new perspectives on how building knowledge can be transmitted, transformed, and applied today.
Clay Programme: Architecture from Local Earth
August 8–9 Akee invites architects, designers, researchers, and everyone interested in natural building materials and sustainable architecture to join a two-day programme of lectures, discussions, and hands-on workshops.
This edition of the programme centres on BC architects & studies & materials, a Belgium-based interdisciplinary practice internationally recognised for its work with locally sourced materials, regenerative construction, and circular building material production. BC’s work spans the entire architectural process—from material research, design, and prototyping to building material production, construction, and education—and is widely regarded as one of Europe’s leading examples of how architecture can contribute to systemic change within the construction sector.
Together with Bregt Hoppenbrouwers and architectural designer and material researcher Gabrielė Šimkutė, participants will explore the potential of local earth in architecture, gain insight into regenerative building practices, and experiment with contemporary earthen construction techniques through practical workshops.
Places are limited.
Applications are open until July 31, 2026.
PROGRAMME
August 8
11:00–12:00
The Potential of Local Soils in Architecture: Lithuanian Experiences and Future Perspectives
Lecture by Gabrielė Šimkutė
Gabrielė Šimkutė presents her ongoing research into locally available soils in Lithuania and their potential for contemporary architecture. The research combines material mapping, field documentation, soil testing, and colour studies while examining vernacular clay-building traditions in Lithuania alongside regenerative construction practices across Europe. The lecture reflects on the opportunities and challenges of adapting these approaches within the Lithuanian context.
12:15–14:00
The BC Model
Lecture by Bregt Hoppenbrouwers (BC architects & studies & materials)
This lecture introduces BC’s interdisciplinary practice, where architectural design, academic research, and material production are developed as a single process. It explores how locally available soils and excavation materials can be transformed into high-quality earthen building materials through research, experimentation, and collaboration.
Project Focus: Paoli & LOT8
Using two recent projects as case studies, this lecture explores how adaptive reuse, locally sourced materials, and innovative earthen construction techniques contribute to low-carbon architecture while strengthening regional supply chains and craftsmanship.
14:00–15:00
Lunch Break
15:00–17:00
Knowledge Building
Led by Bregt Hoppenbrouwers
Rather than focusing on buildings alone, this session examines the processes that make them possible. Through an open discussion, participants will explore how workshops, summer schools, research initiatives, and community engagement contribute to building new knowledge, collaborative networks, and more sustainable construction cultures.
17:15–19:00
Local Earth Analysis
Led by Bregt Hoppenbrouwers & Gabrielė Šimkutė
Participants will be introduced to methods for identifying and evaluating locally available materials. Through observation, simple field tests, and group discussion, they will learn how to assess different earth compositions and their suitability for construction. The session provides the foundation for the practical workshop taking place the following day.
August 9
10:00–17:00
Hands-on Workshop
Led by Bregt Hoppenbrouwers
Participants will explore three contemporary earthen construction techniques: poured earth flooring, rammed earth flooring, and compressed earth blocks. Working with locally sourced earth from Lithuania, they will learn about material preparation, mixing, compaction, casting, and finishing while examining how different earth compositions influence material performance and construction methods.
Participants / Participating initiatives
BC is BC architects & studies & materials. BC stands for Brussels Cooperation and points to how BC grew – embedded within place and people. We operate through 3 legal entities registered in Belgium: BC architects cv (architecture cooperative), BC studies vzw (non-profit education laboratory), BC materials cv (material production cooperative). BC is a hybrid practice, designing and undertaking the “act of building” towards systemic change in the construction sector. We strive for bioregional, low-tech, circular, beautiful and inclusive design. We work with our minds and our hands, undertaking activities such as community organisation, material production, contracting, teaching, prototyping. We aim to impact positively on people’s ideas and planet. We act on behalf of the generations after us.
Bregt Hoppenbrouwers is Operations Manager at BC materials, producing circular earth-based building materials derived from urban excavations. His role sits at the intersection of production operations, material innovation and sustainable construction practice. His company’s mission is closely aligned with architects, builders and educators to advance a more regenerative construction industry.
Gabrielė Šimkutė is an architectural designer and material researcher working across natural materials, spatial practice, and regenerative construction. Her research combines material experimentation, artistic practise, and participatory methods to investigate the potential of locally available resources in contemporary architecture. Through workshops, field research, and collaborative practice, she explores environmentally responsive approaches to building that are rooted in place, material knowledge, and collective making.
Practical Information
The programme will take place at Akee – Aleknaičiai Culture and Education Space (Aleknaičių k. 9, Pakruojis District, Lithuania).
All participants are invited to stay on site at Akee. You are welcome to bring your own tent or stay in Akee’s shared dormitory. Regardless of your preferred accommodation, please bring your own sleeping bag and sleeping mat.
Breakfasts and dinners will be prepared together in the outdoor kitchen around the campfire. We invite you to bring food that you would like to cook or grill together with the other participants. We hope that preparing meals together will become an integral part of the weekend, offering opportunities for informal conversations and getting to know one another.
We also recommend bringing waterproof footwear and suitable outdoor clothing, as well as mosquito and tick repellent.
As places are limited, participants will be selected through an open registration process. Further practical information regarding travel, accommodation, and the programme will be shared with selected participants after registration closes.
Participants are kindly asked to contribute a €20 accommodation fee for staying at Akee. This contribution does not support the programme itself; instead, all funds collected go towards maintaining Akee’s infrastructure and ensuring that the space can continue to host community-based, cultural, and educational initiatives. If you require an invoice, we will be happy to provide one.
The programme is free of charge and will be conducted entirely in English.
We look forward to welcoming you to Akee!
If you have any questions, please contact us at info@akee.lt.
Programme Curators: Rokas Dovydėnas, Gabrielė Šimkutė, and Vilius Vaitiekūnas
Graphic Design: Herman Drowning
Communications: Aistė Marija Stankevičiūtė
Project Partners: Vilnius Academy of Arts, BC architects & studies & materials
Media Partners: artnews.lt; Radio Vilnius
The project is funded by the Lithuanian Council for Culture and Pakruojis District Municipality.
