Materials

Natural materials can create buildings with lower embodied impact, strong thermal performance and a direct relationship with their setting.

Earth Construction

A modern earth design can use traditional cob construction with a green roof, or be adapted for rammed earth, adobe, clay lump and other earth-building approaches.

Samples tested at Bath University achieved encouraging strength results, reaching just over 1kN/mm2. With careful design, earth construction can be developed to satisfy Approved Document Part L requirements.

Straw Bale Construction

Straw bale is a practical way of creating a low-cost, highly insulated building envelope. It suits clients looking for natural materials, warmth, simplicity and low-energy performance.

Image sources: rammed-earth wall, CC0/public domain; straw-bale construction, public domain.

Choosing the right material strategy

The best material choice depends on the site, planning context, structure, moisture strategy, budget and the desired energy performance. Eden Architecture can help compare options early so the design is both imaginative and buildable.