Eco innovation: urban self build
The Ecology lends specifically for new builds that are considered ecological. By this we mean that they must have a minimal impact on their environment. For example the build could be utilising recyclable, reclaimed or energy-saving materials.
Many of the new builds we finance are timber framed and clad constructions, some are straw bale, some are constructed using reclaimed materials, some have eco features such as turf roofs, composting toilets, rainwater harvesting systems, and some are built on reclaimed brownfield sites. Few incorporate all of these features - unlike this project.
Ecology members Sarah and Jeremy have redeveloped an inner city brownfield site in London into a modern live/work unit, largely constructed from low impact, recycled and sustainable materials.
The couple are both university lecturers in architecture and Sarah also runs her own architects business, so they had very strong ideas on what they wanted to create and how they wanted to create it.
The site was classed as industrial land and was being used as a forge. It was bought from British Railways in February 1994. Planning permission for the change of classification and build were granted in July 1997 - amazingly on the first application. The couple approached the Ecology in June 1998 to help finance the build and remained in their existing property until their new home was habitable.
The Build
Sarah and Jeremy not only wanted to build a comfortable, ecological home and work place, but this development also gave them the opportunity to experiment with various architectural techniques and a range of unique, environmentally-friendly materials. The property incorporates the following environmental features;
- Partially turfed roof.
- Timber clad walls rendered with lime.
- Cedar cladding.
- Timber frames with straw (barley) bale infill, which is clad with translucent polycarbonate in some areas so it can be seen externally.
- Exterior sandbag cladding.
- Window casement formed from old railway sleepers found on site.
- Recycled concrete support pillars.
- Rainwater harvesting system with a 3000 litre capacity, collecting rainwater from the roof in underground tanks, which is then distributed by a solar pump to feed the garden, irrigate the turf roof and provide water for the office toilets and washing machine.
- Passive solar panels for water pre-heating.
- Composting toilet.
- Organic vegetable garden.
- Warmcel insulation.
- South-facing aspect almost entirely glazed for maximum solar gain and natural light.
The couple chose the materials for their low embodied energy and super-insulating qualities, i.e. straw bales, recycled concrete, sandbags and located the property to harness the sun's energy for space and water heating.
Being both client and architect Sarah and Jeremy were able to be adventurous in the application of the materials. For example, the appearance of the exterior sandbag cladding on part of the build resembles a duvet. The sandbags contain a mixture of sand, cement and lime. It is anticipated that the hessian sandbags will eventually rot away to leave a wall of rippling, uneven concrete with a cloth imprint.
The first floor office is supported by pillars, which are designed to minimise and accommodate ground movements from the adjacent railway. The pillars themselves are surrounded by large gabion baskets like those commonly used to prevent riverbank erosion and support motorway embankments, and contain lumps or reclaimed concrete.
Sarah and Jeremy's innovative and award winning home is now completed. Being located on one of the main rail routes out of London, the groundbreaking project, amazes rail passengers on a daily basis. Tours are available on selected open days, with details available on Sarah's web site.
