Natural Materials, Circularity and Material Re-Use

Detailed research and development has enabled us to deliver a building without relying on the three materials that form the backbone of most modern construction: concrete, steel and cement. Instead, we used a palette of natural, bio-based alternatives including timber, limecrete, glass foam aggregate, wood fibre insulation and other low-embodied-carbon, breathable materials. The next challenge is taking these principles beyond one-off projects and applying them successfully at a much larger scale.

We’re also exploring how circularity can become a measurable part of the design process, not just an aspiration. Rather than simply specifying reclaimed materials, we’re developing ways to feed material reuse directly into whole-life carbon assessments. This allows clients to understand where reuse delivers the greatest carbon savings, where alternative approaches may have a bigger impact, and how decisions made today can inform better outcomes on future projects. By building this knowledge over time, we can move beyond isolated circular economy initiatives and create a more informed, data-led approach to low-carbon design.