Futurebuild 2022 account by Tom Hubbard

I got stuck in the demonstration area for quite a chunk of the day where there was a talk on COB building, lime plaster/render, straw bale building. Although I had previously seen these methods of construction as self-build small scale projects I was surprised to discover they are being more commonly used for larger commercial scale projects with fantastic environmental impact. They reduce the need for membranes and have a net zero carbon impact so something we might see more of in the future.

 

The COB walls can achieve building regs at a certain thickness (Link to website attached). There is also now a block product being produced by H.G.Matthews https://www.hgmatthews.com/ called a Strock which is structural block of clay and straw which can be used for internal load bearing walls up to 3 storeys and has a very low embodied energy and as such seems like a great alternative to concrete blocks.

 

For more info and details for COB buildings and details you can find info here http://www.cobbauge.eu/en/

 

I went to MPA The concrete Centre: Optimising the use of concrete which discussed the consideration of concrete frame buildings and their potential change of use in the future and ensuring that the design for the concrete frame takes this into account in the design stage. I.e should we be designing a residential block to be changed to an office in the future? A conversation to be having with the structural engineer and client at the design stage to ensure buildings are dynamic and can adapt to a changing world.

 

My main takeaway of the day. We have essentially come back round to the idea that natural materials we have been building with since the bronze age are actually the best. Timber, lime, clay, earth, straw are all sustainable, clean and don’t leech nasty chemicals into the spaces we work, live and learn in.