Issue 47 JUNE - Flipbook - Page 90
Collaborating with an energy consultant was essential to
decision-making on scope of works and enabled all parties
to enhance their skill-set. Details were continuously
developed and refined with Gervase’s input, to aim for
optimum performance.
growing as they leave the house, and the salvaged
stepping stones and scented creeping thyme make for a
joyful welcome home.
Nina opted for lime-based plaster as far as budget could
stretch, using up leftovers from the parge coat beneath
the cork for some internal walls. Leaving the internal plasters exposed was both an aesthetic and budget-friendly
choice. Sealed it with a VOC-free transparent glaze, there
is the opportunity to paint one day. The cork cladding
should last for 15-25 years at which point our contingency
plan is to render over it with lime giving it a fresh look
and protecting the insulation for many more years.
Original pvc double-glazing, warped and ineffective, was
replaced with a combination of triple-glazing, and glazing
with innovative suspended film technology with a
superior u-value of 0.4W/m²K.
The joinery was fabricated ultra-locally using bespoke
tri-ply board, made in the UK from British Douglas Fir.
The monolithic island is formed from rescued London
plane, from a tree felled by Camden Council. Recycled
plastic forms a beautiful and practical countertop on the
sink side. All offcuts were saved and used by the clients
to make additional storage around the home. Pine floorboards that needed to be removed for structural works
were saved and reworked into ceiling cladding.
Nina Woodcroft, Founder Nina+Co + Homeowner
“We love cork. Cork trees regrow their bark after harvesting,
sequestering more CO2 each time. Cork forests are often biodiverse regions and are a wonderful example of regenerative
agriculture worth supporting.
We’re impressed with how low the bills are and appreciate the
warmth and comfort of the house as we both work from home
and so spend a lot of time here. The kitchen is the heart of our
home and such a pleasure to use. The chunky tactile island is
an absolute joy at which we eat every family meal. It is a privilege to feel this tree and this quality of craftsmanship each day.
The open-plan space really suits Nina’s family, there’s
room to dance. And it's great for having friends with children around too. But the U-shape layout with a sofa
round each end, creates a zoned feeling to the space that
allows for a degree of separation so the family can each
be doing different things too.
We are so grateful to the team of architects and consultants
who have helped us achieve our cosy home. Their support and
expertise has been invaluable. We hope to share our journey
and learnings with others to encourage a shift towards the use
of more natural building materials and making homes more
energy efficient now for the benefit of future generations”
The outlook is much improved on both sides as the rear
openings were made larger and several trees were added
along with more food-growing space in the previously bare
garden. The front drive is filled with much more greenery,
Nina’s young son loves checking on the veg and flowers
Above, exterior
Above, interior
i
i
Conservation & Heritage Journal
88
