Sustainable Architecture: Embracing Eco-Friendly Materials
In the realm of architecture, sustainability has emerged as a guiding principle, driving designers and architects to embrace eco-friendly materials and practices. In England, where the landscape is rich with history and tradition, a new wave of architectural design is blending innovation with environmental consciousness. Halliday Clark Architects, renowned for their commitment to sustainability, are at the forefront of this movement, incorporating eco-friendly materials into their designs. In this blog post, we delve into the significance of sustainable architecture and explore the materials that are shaping its future.
Passivhaus Architecture
Passivhaus certified new builds represent the pinnacle of sustainable architecture, embodying a rigorous standard for energy efficiency and comfort. These buildings are meticulously designed and constructed to achieve exceptional airtightness and thermal performance, reducing heating and cooling demands to a fraction of conventional buildings. By prioritising insulation, high-performance windows, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, Passivhaus buildings ensure optimal indoor comfort year-round, with minimal energy consumption. Moreover, they are built to stand the test of time, with a focus on durability and longevity. As the demand for sustainable buildings grows, Passivhaus certified new builds represent a beacon of hope for a greener and more resilient future in English architecture.
Halliday Clark’s Passivhaus Plus Project, Quarry Hills Lane in Leyburn
We developed a sustainable design with a timber frame and straw bale system for the wall construction in addition to a building specification which avoids any cement-based and prime plastic-based products. The Passivhaus standard design includes a full photovoltaic array, water recycling system and full MVHR.
“There are photovoltaic panels (PVs) on the roof and zinc cladding, creating a different palette of materials from other houses in the area, yet we have introduced stone cladding that has been sourced locally.”
The project has become the first accredited Passivhaus Plus project in North Yorkshire.
ARCHITECT: Halliday Clark Architects STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: Buro Happold PASSIVHAUS ASSESSOR: Ecowin
FLOORS U-value 0 082 W/m²K 1.4 m strip concrete foundations with recycled aggregate 500 mm Foamit crushed glass, followed above by 50 mm Foamglas slab 250 mm Limecrete with glass fibres 100 mm Thermafleece Ultrawool finished above with reclaimed maple flooring.
WALLS U-value 0 087 W/m²K Lime render externally on 40 mm fibreboard, followed inside by ventilated cavity, pro clima DB+ breathable membrane, timber frame filled with 405 mm straw pro clima Intello membrane 60 mm fibreboard 20 mm lime plaster internally.
ROOF U-value 0 092 W/m²K Solar PV array on liner tray system to south façade and natural slate to the north, followed inside by ventilated cavity, Nilvent breathable roofing felt, followed inside by 18 mm OSB 300 mm Thermafleece Ultrawool insulation, 18 mm ply, pro clima Intello membrane, 60 mm fibreboard, 20 mm lime plaster.
WINDOWS U-value 0 72 W/m²K Gaulhofer Fusionline 108 triple glazed aluminium clad larch windows, with argon filling.
Wood
Wood, a timeless material, has experienced a resurgence in popularity in sustainable architecture. Halliday Clark Architects often utilise sustainably sourced timber in their projects, recognising its versatility and low environmental impact. From engineered wood products like cross-laminated timber to reclaimed wood from old structures, the benefits are manifold. Wood is renewable, biodegradable, and boasts excellent thermal properties, contributing to energy efficiency in buildings. Moreover, it adds warmth and character to spaces, creating a harmonious blend of aesthetics and sustainability.
Recycled Materials
Recycled materials play a crucial role in sustainable architecture, offering a compelling blend of environmental benefits and design versatility. From reclaimed timber and brick to recycled glass and metal, these materials infuse buildings with character and history. Beyond aesthetics, recycled materials significantly reduce the demand for virgin resources and divert waste from landfills, making them an eco-friendly choice. Moreover, the process of repurposing materials often requires less energy than producing new ones, further reducing carbon emissions. By incorporating recycled materials into their designs, architects not only minimise environmental impact but also contribute to a more circular economy, where resources are reused and valued for their inherent qualities. In essence, recycled materials exemplify the ethos of sustainability, turning waste into opportunity.
Natural Stone
In England, natural stone has been a cornerstone of architectural heritage for centuries. Today, it continues to play a vital role in sustainable architecture, celebrated for its durability and timeless appeal. Halliday Clark Architects incorporate locally sourced stone into their projects, minimising carbon footprint and supporting regional economies. Whether it's limestone from the Cotswolds or sandstone from Yorkshire, each stone tells a story of geological evolution and cultural heritage. Beyond aesthetics, natural stone requires minimal processing, making it an environmentally friendly choice for building materials.
Green Roofs
As urbanisation accelerates, green roofs have emerged as a sustainable solution to mitigate environmental impact. Halliday Clark Architects advocate for green roofs, integrating vegetation into their designs to promote biodiversity and improve air quality as seen in our recently completed project, Sirius in Ilkley. Green roofs offer a myriad of benefits, including enhanced insulation, stormwater management, and urban heat island mitigation. By creating green spaces in urban environments, architects contribute to ecological balance while fostering healthier communities.
Showcasing the sedum rooftop used on Sirius
Green Roofs Naturally sedum mats are made up of:
35mm profiled foam which is made from 100% re-bonded and recycled inert materials.
The foam mat has a density of 80kg per square metre.
Each foam mat has an “egg box” profile 25:10mm to allow free drainage.
The sedum mats are 50cms by 50cms and will absorb 12x their own weight in water.
The mats are fully dimensionally stable.
On top of the foam lies 40mm of substrate on which the sedum grows.
When fully saturated 1m2 of sedum mat weighs 56kg.
Aerial Photograph by Giles Rocholl Photography
Sustainable Insulation
Sustainable insulation stands as a cornerstone of environmentally friendly housing, offering a multitude of benefits that contribute to a greener future. Halliday Clark Architects recognise the importance of sustainable insulation in their designs, prioritising materials that minimise energy consumption and reduce environmental impact. By incorporating innovative solutions such as recycled cellulose, sheep's wool, and hempcrete, architects can enhance the thermal performance of buildings while promoting sustainability. These natural insulation materials not only provide excellent thermal resistance but also boast non-toxic properties and biodegradability, ensuring healthier indoor environments. Additionally, sustainable insulation reduces reliance on heating and cooling systems, resulting in long-term energy savings and lower carbon emissions. By integrating sustainable insulation into housing designs, architects play a pivotal role in creating homes that are not only comfortable and energy-efficient but also environmentally responsible, paving the way for a more sustainable built environment.
Sustainability lies at the heart of modern architecture, shaping the built environment for future generations. In England, architects like Halliday Clark are leading the charge, embracing eco-friendly materials and practices to create buildings that are both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible. From wood and recycled materials to natural stone and green roofs, the palette of sustainable materials is diverse and inspiring. By prioritising sustainability in architecture, we not only mitigate environmental impact but also create spaces that enrich lives and embody the spirit of conservancy towards our planet.
