RIBA East Sustainability Award Winner 2006

The aim of The Foundry project was to produce a building that sits lightly on the earth both in its construction and user life, and to be a shining example of sustainable building skills using local materials and labour.

An existing redundant timber-framed traction engine shed – The Foundry – has been dismantled and refurbished to provide an Environmental Education Centre for the East of England. This provides the necessary training space for theoretical and practical skills in community development and sustainable woodland management. It also provides meeting rooms and office space for community use as well as environmental education.

‘Deep green’ and restoration details:

Majority of timber frame and brick plinth in traction shed were recycled

Using existing timbers reduces the demand for bought-in timber. A simple application of lime wash before re-erection protects against beetle and fungal attack, hence no need for toxic chemical treatment.

Lime-based throughout – no concrete

Lime is more energy-efficient than concrete to process and manufacture. Furthermore, lime is incombustible, making it an ideal fire retardant for use in timber frame buildings. Lime is able to ‘breathe’, thus safeguarding the other materials in a building (such as timber and brick) from moisture changes that occur throughout the year. The low thermal conductivity of lime plaster makes it feel warmer than cement plaster in cool climates, thus contributing to a feeling of comfort.

All insulation uses hemp and lime for floor, external walls and roof

The hemp used was grown in Suffolk. Hemp absorbs CO2 as it grows and the finished product can ‘breathe’ naturally. This means no need for plastic or foil membranes, further reducing the environmental impact of the building and ensuring excellent internal air quality, good soundproofing and excellent thermal performance.

All internal walls are wattle and daub, using our own clay and hazel

Training in wattle and daub construction was available to local people during the building process.

No damp proof course , thus allowing all materials to breathe

Heating fuelled by locally produced biomass (from our own woods)

A wood chip boiler will in around 10 years’ time be run solely on coppiced timber from our local community project, Forest for Our Children , depending on the woodland’s rate of growth and the project’s management plans.

Water heated by solar panels

Use of double glazed timber windows with linseed oil paint

Natural linseed oil paints have no environmental impact compared to conventional paints (which are among the most polluting of all manufacturing processes). Using timber with natural paints means the windows can be recycled at the end of their life with no environmental penalty.

All rainwater is recycled

Only drinking water is bought in. This has huge environmental benefits, as East Anglia is the driest part of the country.

No connection to main drains

All soil & waste is treated using bark rings and reed bed. A reed bed sewage system means all sewage waste is broken down on site using natural biological processes.

All materials and labour sourced within a 20-mile radius, as far as possible

A large proportion of the work was undertaken by local volunteers, thus simultaneously reducing costs and increasing community involvement.

‘Education for sustainable development is about the learning needed to maintain and improve our quality of life and the quality of life of generations to come. It is about equipping individuals, communities, groups, businesses and government to live and act sustainably; as well as giving them an understanding of the environmental, social and economic issues involved. It is about preparing for the world in which we will live in the next century, and making sure we are not found wanting.’

DEFRA