Original CUT technique – 30 years and going!
First invented in 1994, the CUT (cell under tension) technique was designed as a way to create an accessible home for anyone: low-cost, resistant, using locally sourced materials, and able to be self-built in either a prefabricated or on-site format. Over the last 30 years, the technique has been refined and has evolved – especially with the creation of the FLEXAGONE (complete home system- including foundation, plasters, window details and roof- all in a hexagons- and made with CUT walls).
In this presentation, Tom will explain the origin, evolution, and future of this technique, including examples, and the results of open-source and laboratory testing.
This presentation will be followed by Josu’s, with a presentation about laboratory testing done in the University of Bordeaux on the load-bearing capacity of a wall made with the traditional CUT technique.
Date
- 20 Sep 2025
- Expired!
Time
- 09:50 - 10:10
Labels
- Tom Rijven
Category
Facilitator
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Tom Rijven
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Website
https://flexagone.com/ -
The real professional masters not only his trade, but can also transmit it to ordinary people. After a life as a social worker in a neighborhood of Amsterdam, bicycling around the globe to become a minimalist, and exploring my hands by practicing acupressure and reflexology…. In 1994, at the age of 48, I volunteered to help build a house (made with the light-straw-clay technique) in France. The owner gave me the freedom to experiment, and so I learned, practiced and made many innovations. Last but not least, in autumn 1994, the CUT-technique (cell under tension) was invented. My mission then became advocating the human right of access to shelter: a roof, a home, a “cheztoi.” The Flexagone, is my concept of a whole house. I can teach any owner-builder (and team of volunteers) the way to build it- from the foundation to the roof- in 3 weeks. I have worked with this system in more than 15 countries, especially in eastern Europe, Australia, Canada, Spain and France. Book: “Between Earth and Straw” 2009. “Entre paja y tierra” 2018 (ed. EcoHabitar) Documentary: “Là, est ma maison” https://vimeo.com/758636117 Password: maison21 Subtitles: english, dutch, French