Sunday 1 July 2012

Building Materials

Proposed building materials

Durisol blocks used at project in Goring Health as retaining wall.

The "eco" option for building below ground could be to use "Durisol" blocks. These are made in Wales from 80% recycled wood pallets and 20% cement. These blocks are simply slotted together laced with steel rods for structural support and then in-filled with both concrete and insulation. 

Durisol block section showing insulation and in-filled concrete

The level of insulation within the wall, plus the south facing aspect of the building results in the building requiring no heating, even in winter, as long as doors and windows are not left open for extended periods. 

Decking made from 50% recycled plastic and 50% rice husk

Decking below the front porch could be recycled concrete slabs, recycled plastic decking or even locally sourced wooden decking.

The green roof doesn't have to be just grass. For greater biodiversity, an entire range of plants could be established?

Green roof in Benson

Elevation Sketches









These illustrations show the various potential views of the Eco-pavilion


This view is from top of "Rabbits Hill" if trees were removed from slope

 View from car park showing green roof is still below height of car park

View from car park

View from below cricket boundary line

View from existing pavilion


Elevated view from East side of common

All illustrations show white rendered finish to exposed walls but these could also be clad in local timber such as larch for more rustic effect.

Tuesday 15 May 2012

Eco Option in Ewelme


This blog is an information and discussion platform for a proposed "Eco" design option for the construction of a new sports pavilion on the common in Ewelme that could replace the existing run-down building.

The proposal is:
  • Develop an ecobuild option for community consultation 
  • Develop concept plans based on a building adjacent to the existing car park embedded into the bank so building forms part of the landscape
  • Design to maximise passive solar gain to reduce/eliminate need for heating
  • Design to low or even positive environmental impact through inclusion of green roof
  • Design using sustainable materials e.g Durisol blocks (recycled wood pallets & cement)
  • Design for enabling social responsibility
The animated video below has been developed by Green Factory Ltd as the first phase of the design process.
Discussions have already been held with HMPS for "about-to-be-released prisoners" to undertake most of the build as part of their "community pay back" commitments which would help to reduce build costs if this project went ahead. It would also contribute towards the successful reintegration of ex-prisoners back into society.