The residents of Friland resident build experimental houses using natural and recycled materials. Residents try to build with as low an environmental impact as possible, and test alternative materials and construction methods.
The houses at Friland include straw bale houses that are plastered with clay, and wood-clad houses insulated with wood fibre, sheep’s wool, flax and hemp. Alternative foundations are made with, for example, compacted seashells, and many houses have green, living roofs.
The buildings at Friland must comply with the national building regulations.