On 10 October 2026, GreeNest partner PILIKO organised the workshop Modern Construction with the Light Clay Technique at the Centre of Mediterranean Architecture (KAM) in Chania, Crete.
The event brought together researchers, architects, engineers and professionals to explore how light clay can be used in contemporary construction. The programme combined presentations on traditional and contemporary building techniques, experimental research, as well as built applications, and environmental performance of the material.
The opening session by Zeta Chrysafaki and Apostolos Mousourakis from PILIKO introduced the characteristics, applications and potential of light clay construction. The programme then moved to its integration into building systems, with Eleftheria Tsakanika from National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) focusing on the combination of light clay infill with timber load-bearing structures.
A dedicated part of the programme also featured GreeNest’s ongoing research on light clay. Ioannis Atsonios (NTUA) introduced the project’s wider approach to Zero-Emission Buildings and its ecosystem of 17 Standardized Packages, with light clay developed as one of the project’s material solutions. He then explained what the research focuses on, including the material’s thermal and energy performance, fire behaviour and environmental footprint.
The afternoon programme connected this research with practice through examples of light clay buildings in Crete, monitoring of buildings constructed with natural materials, a light clay house in Volos and experimental applications at the Technical University of Crete. The event also included an exhibition and concluded with an open discussion with participants.
Two new GreeNest posters were also presented during the exhibition, offering an overview of the project concept and its 17 Standardized Packages and the latest status of the demonstration sites and SP integration.
The workshop provided an opportunity to connect GreeNest’s work on light clay with architectural practice and real building applications, supporting wider knowledge exchange around natural materials in contemporary construction.
