SUSTAINABLE LIVING: TAKING IT OFF THE GRID

Indeed, if the human race as a species is to survive, a shift in mentality is needed - beyond  sustainability. We need to take cognizance of what is to come when the life that we are living is no longer sustainable - as the world changes. And it does. Time changes. Weather changes. And we, as a species, need to dynamically adapt, learn, grow and develop beyond what we currently see as “normal.” 

The Cork Studio was constructed using discarded granules from a wine cork manufacturer. The granules were turned into solid blocks through a heating process, which triggers them to expand and release a natural resin that binds them together. Following this the blocks were cut into desired slab sizes, and joined on site. "There is no cladding, rainscreen, cavity, plaster or paint, ground floor slab or foundation. Just a single thickness of cork, which carries out all the necessary functions of structure, waterproofing, acoustic, fire, airtightness and aesthetics," explained the architect.

Throughout the studio, every surface has a natural finish, without any toxic varnishes, meaning each part can be easily recycled after the building's life. The Cork Studio has recyclable polycarbonate windows, a plywood door and internal sliding shutters, which act as an additional buffer against temperature, while controlling light levels.

Nestled in the undergrowth beside the River Thames, the house comprises of five volumes topped by pyramid-like skylights, constructed from sustainability-sourced cork blocks supported by timber components. It is designed so that in the future it can be easily dismantled, reused or recycled. "Rather than the typical complex, layered building envelope incorporating an array of building materials, products and specialist sub-systems, the Cork House is an attempt to make solid walls and roof from a single bio-renewable material," explained Howland, Milne and Wilton.

"In particular we were interested in an approach that took into account environmental sustainability principles at each stage of a building's lifecycle." Supported by engineered timber, the structure incorporates a system of cork blocks that are made with interlocking joints. This negates the need for mortar or glue, and simultaneously provides structure, insulation, external surface and internal finish making it an easily recyclable and reusable structure.The use of cork also meant that the house was carbon-negative at its completion, as it absorbed more carbon dioxide than has been emitted during the entire construction process. It will continue to have extremely low “whole-life carbon,” which the studios expect to be less than 15% of a new-build house.

"In particular we were interested in an approach that took into account environmental sustainability principles at each stage of a building's lifecycle." Supported by engineered timber, the structure incorporates a system of cork blocks that are made with interlocking joints. This negates the need for mortar or glue, and simultaneously provides structure, insulation, external surface and internal finish making it an easily recyclable and reusable structure.The use of cork also meant that the house was carbon-negative at its completion, as it absorbed more carbon dioxide than has been emitted during the entire construction process. It will continue to have extremely low “whole-life carbon,” which the studios expect to be less than 15% of a new-build house.

"In particular we were interested in an approach that took into account environmental sustainability principles at each stage of a building's lifecycle." Supported by engineered timber, the structure incorporates a system of cork blocks that are made with interlocking joints. This negates the need for mortar or glue, and simultaneously provides structure, insulation, external surface and internal finish making it an easily recyclable and reusable structure.The use of cork also meant that the house was carbon-negative at its completion, as it absorbed more carbon dioxide than has been emitted during the entire construction process. It will continue to have extremely low “whole-life carbon,” which the studios expect to be less than 15% of a new-build house.

Space-saving furnishings allow different spaces in the home to be used for different functions, depending on the occupants. LifeEdited stated that the home is capable of entertaining up to 20 people. The abode is outfitted with efficient LED lights and a low-energy air-conditioning system. Windows and sliding doors are made from a high-performance composite called Fibrex, while tiles are partially composed of recycled materials.

Thin solar panels cover the gently-pitched roof, collecting 10,550 watts of power to supply all the needs of the house, including the charging of a 1973 Volkswagen - which has been converted to electric. A Blue Ion 2.0 Energy Storage System in the garage acts as a battery. Rainwater is collected from the roof via chains at each corner, filtered on-site and stored in a tank close to the home. 

Thin solar panels cover the gently-pitched roof, collecting 10,550 watts of power to supply all the needs of the house, including the charging of a 1973 Volkswagen - which has been converted to electric. A Blue Ion 2.0 Energy Storage System in the garage acts as a battery. Rainwater is collected from the roof via chains at each corner, filtered on-site and stored in a tank close to the home. 

Thin solar panels cover the gently-pitched roof, collecting 10,550 watts of power to supply all the needs of the house, including the charging of a 1973 Volkswagen - which has been converted to electric. A Blue Ion 2.0 Energy Storage System in the garage acts as a battery. Rainwater is collected from the roof via chains at each corner, filtered on-site and stored in a tank close to the home.