Canal House

These three compact townhouses were designed with complete circularity in mind. To achieve this, we use regenerative and largely recycled construction materials. For structure, we employ farmed timber, while Welsh wool acts as insulation. Additionally, the townhouses feature recycled fibre cement panel cladding and recycled plasterboard.

The construction process involves the use of prefabricated walls and volumetric elements, such as bathrooms, stairs, and services. This allows for swift assembly using gravity fixings that seamlessly interlock, creating both airtight and robust connections. By adopting this approach, we aim to minimize resource depletion and reduce construction and demolition waste.

The assembly sequence can easily be reversed, so that the houses can be disassembled, relocated, or fully recycled back at the fabrication plant.

The houses have an internal area of approximately 100 sqm, providing space for family living, while the small urban plots of about 40 sqm achieve a density about three times that of the Camden neighbourhood. The dwellings are excellently connected to public transport and is entirely car-free.

The development is super-insulated and airtight to cope with extreme weather. We incorporate heat recovery ventilation and heat pumps for further efficiency, and the upper roof slopes are adorned with PV panels. The lower part of the roof is planted, mitigating extreme rain, and enhancing the local climate and biodiversity.

This project for ‘sufficient’ houses reflects our commitment to circularity and waste avoidance throughout its entire lifecycle. To realize this vision, my wife and I established a development company.