About this home:

This timber frame house utilises a double-stud structure with hempcrete infill to form monolithic, breathable, fire retardant, carbon negative, non-toxic and highly insulated walls. Construction is incredibly quick and simple, and can be easily taught to volunteers. Services run through the walls and the ceiling service void. MVHR will be used to distribute heat from the woodburner through the house and provide fresh warm air. 5.4 tonnes of hemp in the walls store twice as much carbon as timber. Walls are thick and sturdy creating a peaceful interior reminiscent of a stone building. Internal finishes of clay-lime plaster, tadelakt, oak door and window frames and a tiled floor will transform this building site into a beautiful modern home.

Planning Insights:

12 months at planning

Since the site had agricultural buildings, they initially applied for Class Q, but that was rejected and they were asked to apply for planning. Planning was granted on a material change of use but since they knocked most of the derelict buildings down they are in contravention, with planners claiming it as an operational development. The footprint has been kept the same and existing concrete slabs have been reused. They are confident this can be resolved.