The White House, Padstow, Cornwall

Located on the dramatic North Cornwall coast and within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the clients for this remarkable contemporary family home shared our genuine passion for sustainability, the environment and ecology. One of the first Hempcrete block buildings in Cornwall, the dwelling’s unique approach to sustainability employs the latest technologies and philosophies whilst utilising traditional building methods and techniques. Wherever practicable the building has been designed to be ‘cement-free’ and environmentally considerate, with the overriding ambition to have the capacity to be ‘off-grid’. Wood-fibre boarding was used for the internal walls along with eco-cork insulation and render boards. Lime render and plaster throughout complete the finish. Externally, there are concrete-free substrates to all external landscaping and a natural pool surrounded by planting of native species aids the diverse ecology and environment throughout the site. A ground Source Heat Pump provides hot water and central heating in conjunction with a PV array with associated battery storage. Photographs: Stephen Brownhill