Why it is special
It is envisaged as a barn-like building where as many wood-based products are used as possible. Recycled newspapers and straw serve as insulation, which means that the house itself can be recycled. How it is built
The external envelope of the house is built first, then sealed and pressure-tested for insulation. The timber frame is clad with boards of compressed straw. The windows are triple glazed, except for a large south-facing one in the living room which will be double-glazed to allow only the sun’s warmth to permeate. Eco features
High emphasis on usable/recyclable materials and insulation. It is ultimately conceived as part of a development fed by a shared, energy-efficient central CHP generator. The non-CHP version uses solar panels for hot water and a biomass (wood-fed) stove for the winter. Rainwater harvesting and storage promises to recycle 20 litres of water a day. |
