Cost-effective and sustainable material choices were key to the success of this project


“We can look out, across the roof to the


garden and we have a terrifi c view from the window,” says Michael. “It’s also really enhanced the biodiversity.”


Another advantage of a green roof is the level of insulation it provides. mm of earth is not only insulating but gives incredible acoustic performance. ue to the contours of the garden, the offi ce is also partly sunken and ichael relishes his days spent working from home, as the offi ce is a very silent and a marvellous space to tuck yourself away in.” Elsewhere, the retrofi t of the existing building meant plenty of new insulation in the fl oors, walls and roof. espite uilding Regulations placing no obligation on Michael to upgrade the existing building, he added insulation in the fl oors and roof that was double the standard


46


reuired in homes. ichael chose Earthwool and Ecotherm R, a rigid insulating board. While not the ‘greenest’ material available, both have recycled content and were the trade-off Michael had to make between very high performance, sustainability and a reasonable price tag. Many fully ‘eco’ products, such as clay plaster, were simply beyond the couple’s budget. We had to cut our cloth to suit our purse,” says Michael. espite this, ichael’s design is creative and innovative. Where trendy eco products were out of reach, he specifi ed agricultural products instead, such as fi bre cement. ade from recycled slates and freuently used on farm sheds, fi bre cement can be used to create a sharp, contemporary look reminiscent of inc. ichael used this around the new dormer windows with great impact and is pleased with


LOW POINT


“Were when things happened outside of my control, such as the delays with the glaing.  had to be relaxed and remember that we are fortunate to be in this position.”


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