Materials

The choice of materials used in a building affects its atmosphere and the way people feel in the space. It is soothing to see the boundaries of spaces, defined by a change of material. There are many aspects of materials to consider: the temperature, the sounds they make in use, the texture, the durability, ease of cleaning, impact on health and impact on the environment.

Some materials are warm to the touch while others, such as metal or concrete, are cool. The tactile experience and the sound produced by walking over a wooden or carpeted floor are very different from those produced by walking over a polished concrete or stone floor. A durable surface such as concrete allows children to lay out toys, spill paint and play ball games.

We choose materials with low environmental impact wherever possible, including FSC-certified timber, low solvent finishes, zero ozone-depleting materials, and those with low embodied energy. If locally produced materials are available, these are chosen above imported materials. Reclaimed or recycled materials are preferred.

Brick

Bricks have a high embodied energy content as their manufacture takes a lot of energy. However, they have a long life-time and can be reclaimed and re-used. Bricks have a high thermal mass, making them a good insulator, and produce healthy, low-maintenance structures. We use local and reclaimed bricks wherever possible.

Stone

Stone has been used as a building material for thousands of years. It has a high thermal mass, is durable and low maintenance. Stone is rarely used now for new buildings, except in flooring, but may be used in the conservation and repair of old buildings. Stone is easily reclaimed and re-used.

Wood

We use FSC-certified woods; these are harvested from forests that are 'managed to meet the social, economic and ecological needs of present and future generations'. We will always use wood in preference to artificial materials wherever possible, and will never use uPVC windows or doors.

Metal

Different metals have different properties suitable to various functions in a building. Steel is used for reinforcement and support and may provide the structural framework. Copper has been used for roofs, and oxidises to a distinctive green colour. Metal window frames are common in buildings from the mid-20th century.

Metals are commonly used for small components such as piping (previously lead but now commonly copper), wiring, door and window fittings, and flashing to hold tiled roofing in place.