# Standard elements in non-standard ways

By [Brandon Donnelly](https://paragraph.com/@brandondonnelly), 2019-09-05

architecture, construction, construction-methods, debora-mesa-molina, design, ensamble-studio, madrid, spain, standard-building-materials, ted-talk, video

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https://www.ted.com/talks/debora\_mesa\_molina\_stunning\_buildings\_made\_from\_raw\_imperfect\_materials

A few people have now sent me [this TED talk](https://www.ted.com/talks/debora_mesa_molina_stunning_buildings_made_from_raw_imperfect_materials#t-323459) by architect Débora Mesa Molina. But I watched it for the first time today. I guess my personal brand is pretty closely associated with architecture and design.

In it, she talks about [her firm's approach](https://www.ensamble.info/) to using overlooked and/or standard building materials in unconventional ways. For example, [here](https://www.ensamble.info/hemeroscopiumhouse), she used stacked precast beams to assemble a house in Madrid (c.2008). The entire structure came together in only 7 days.

My first reaction is that I like the idea and approach -- which is really quite interesting -- more than the final designs. I am also curious if there were any cost savings as a result of using "standard" materials. What are your thoughts?

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*Originally published on [Brandon Donnelly](https://paragraph.com/@brandondonnelly/standard-elements-in-non-standard-ways)*