Abstract
Resource Mapping represents the development and testing of a methodology for sustainable design and construction planning that utilises the local landscape and overlooked materials, commonly thought of as ‘waste’, in the construction of new buildings. The output comprises two designs for construction projects in East Sussex: Streat Hill Farm House, Plumpton and a new dining pavilion at Glyndebourne Opera House.
The research investigated models of behavioural change that enable the construction sector to reduce annual consumption and wastage of natural raw materials, and the ways in which this can inform and shape ‘circular’ design strategies for the sector.
The research drew on data from case studies undertaken during Baker-Brown’s participation in two Interreg research projects, Sustainable Bio and Waste Resources for Construction and Facilitating the Circulation of Reclaimed Building Elements. This included experimentation with waste product insulants, testing their efficacy in the Brighton ‘Waste House’. The design for Streat Hill Farm uses material from the burnt remains of the original property, generally viewed as ‘waste’ material, together with chalk and other natural materials from the site. Similarly, Glyndebourne Pavilion integrates collected food waste, corks and glass bottles (generated by catering for guests) into the design and timber collected as a result of Ash Die Back. All these materials would normally be destined for incineration.
Resource Mapping methodology highlights the potential of locally-sourced, sustainable, carbon-locking organically grown materials and, through the re-use of construction waste, it demonstrates the capacity to capture the already embedded ‘carbon footprint’ of materials that have been processed into products for the construction industry. The research provided insights into sustainable practices for the construction industry and brought new understanding to hierarchies within the process, recognising the importance of collaboration between locally active agents and the gradual emergence of a vernacular design vocabulary.
The research investigated models of behavioural change that enable the construction sector to reduce annual consumption and wastage of natural raw materials, and the ways in which this can inform and shape ‘circular’ design strategies for the sector.
The research drew on data from case studies undertaken during Baker-Brown’s participation in two Interreg research projects, Sustainable Bio and Waste Resources for Construction and Facilitating the Circulation of Reclaimed Building Elements. This included experimentation with waste product insulants, testing their efficacy in the Brighton ‘Waste House’. The design for Streat Hill Farm uses material from the burnt remains of the original property, generally viewed as ‘waste’ material, together with chalk and other natural materials from the site. Similarly, Glyndebourne Pavilion integrates collected food waste, corks and glass bottles (generated by catering for guests) into the design and timber collected as a result of Ash Die Back. All these materials would normally be destined for incineration.
Resource Mapping methodology highlights the potential of locally-sourced, sustainable, carbon-locking organically grown materials and, through the re-use of construction waste, it demonstrates the capacity to capture the already embedded ‘carbon footprint’ of materials that have been processed into products for the construction industry. The research provided insights into sustainable practices for the construction industry and brought new understanding to hierarchies within the process, recognising the importance of collaboration between locally active agents and the gradual emergence of a vernacular design vocabulary.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Type | Methodology for sustainable design and construction planning |
| Publisher | Methodology for sustainable design and construction planning |
| Publication status | Published - Jan 2020 |
