When it comes to building environmentally-conscious homes, there's a whole world of inspiration out there. However, some of the most dynamic projects can be found right here in the UK.
Image: Beech Architects
From projects using sustainable materials to those meeting low-energy Passivhaus standards, there's more than one way to create a home that lessens the impact that both the building process and the eventual home has on the environment.
We've highlighted 3 projects by architects in the UK that have approached sustainability in different ways to serve as inspiration for prospective self-builders.
Listening Station and Watch Room, Beech Architects
Image: Beech Architects
When designing these holiday homes on the Suffolk coast, Beech Architects were already considering the end of life potential of the materials.
If the coastline eroded, or the buildings were no longer needed, the structures could be moved to a different location, but they've also been designed to be 'infinitely recyclable'.
Image: Beech Architects
The homes can be dismantled for their components to be used in other buildings, while timber has been used as an eco alternative to plasterboard which, alongside the cedar cladding, can be turned into wood chips down the line.
Hill House, MELOY Architects
Image: MELOY Architects
This cedar clad house, built by architect Charles Meloy for his family, is notable not only for being a home that meets Passivhaus standards (in fact, the first in the South Downs), but for achieving this on a build budget of under £250,000.
Image: MELOY Architects
The house has little to no need for heating, as it has triple-glazed windows and well-insulated walls.
Tara Green, Makar
Image: Makar
Not only is the wood used to clad this home sourced from local, sustainable forestries, meaning it has a low carbon footprint, it also acts as a carbon sink.
Image: Makar
The property also includes several forward thinking eco-friendly technologies, including a mechanical ventilation heat recovery system that provides fresh air and regulates temperatures, as well as solar panels and an air-source heat pump.
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