Sustainability Report
Embodied carbon
Marhûs employs a holistic low-carbon strategy for embodied carbon, primarily through material selection and construction methods:
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Biobased and Renewable Materials: The house is entirely built from biobased, renewable materials.
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Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) Structure: CLT forms the entire structure, interior finishes, and roof forms. The Derix X-LAM CLT used has a stated GWP A1-A3 of 0.00 kg CO₂e/m², indicating a very low carbon footprint from its production.
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Cellulose Insulation: Gutex Thermofibre cellulose insulation is used, which has a GWP of A1-A3, corresponding to 6.02 kg CO₂e/m², reflecting a lower environmental impact.
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Untreated Cladding: Facades and roofs are clad in untreated timber and zinc. The untreated timber avoids the embodied carbon associated with chemical treatments or paints.
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Avoidance of Toxic Adhesives/Composite Layers: No toxic adhesives or composite layers were used, ensuring materials remain separable and clean for future recycling or reuse.
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Significant Embodied Carbon Reduction: Internal calculations indicate a substantial reduction in embodied carbon compared to conventional masonry construction, primarily due to the extensive use of CLT, local material sourcing, and the avoidance of concrete.
Operational Emissions / Energy
Marhûs is designed for exceptionally low operational emissions, aiming for energy neutrality:
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Energy-Neutral Dwelling: The house operates as an "energy-neutral dwelling," meaning its energy generation and consumption are balanced across the year.
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Integrated Solar Panels: Solar panels are discreetly integrated into the higher flat roofs, hidden from view but optimally oriented for energy efficiency.
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Ground-Source Heat Pump: A ground-source heat pump provides both heating and cooling for the home, utilizing renewable geothermal energy.
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Cellulose Insulation: Cellulose insulation ensures a breathable and comfortable indoor climate while minimizing thermal bridging and energy loss.
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Green Roof: A green roof contributes to thermal buffering, which helps in passive performance and reduces energy peaks for heating and cooling.
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Near Zero Operational Carbon: The project reports, "Operational carbon is near zero, with energy generation and consumption balanced across the year."
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Passive Performance: The "breathable envelope" and green roof collectively contribute to optimal passive performance and thermal comfort, further reducing reliance on active systems.
Service and maintenance emissions
The project implements strategies that minimize service and maintenance emissions over its lifespan:
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Durable and Gracefully Aging Materials: The façades and roofs are clad in untreated timber and zinc, materials specifically chosen because they "age gracefully" and blend naturally into the landscape. This eliminates the need for frequent painting or protective treatments.
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Long-Term Durability and Reusability of Zinc: Zinc was applied for its "long-term durability and reusability."
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Natural Aging of Timber: The untreated timber cladding was chosen precisely for its natural aging properties, reducing the need for intensive maintenance or replacement cycles.
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Breathable Finishes: All interior finishes are breathable, contributing to a healthy indoor climate and potentially reducing issues that might require maintenance.
Afterlife
Adaptive reuse and long-term flexibility were considered integral to the design of Marhûs. The structural system, based entirely on cross-laminated timber (CLT), allows for disassembly, reuse, and reconfiguration over time. The layout consists of five linear volumes, each with distinct orientation and spatial identity, which can function independently or be repurposed to suit changing needs—whether residential, work-related, or semi-public.
The open floor plan and clear zoning enable various future programs: parts of the house could serve as guest accommodation, a small studio, or even a care unit without requiring major structural changes. Non-loadbearing partition walls and generous ceiling heights provide spatial adaptability, while large openings and framed views ensure continued visual and physical connection to the landscape, regardless of function.
In material and structural choices, circularity was a guiding principle. The use of biobased materials, dry construction methods, and visible joinery not only reduce the building’s environmental impact, but also support future reuse and transformation. Marhûs is not a fixed typology—it is a system of spatial relationships that can evolve.
Marhûs was designed with circularity in mind, using building elements that can be disassembled and reused with minimal impact. The primary structure is made of cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels, assembled using dry connections wherever possible, allowing components to be taken apart without damage. The timber façades are untreated and mounted with reversible fixings, enabling easy removal and reuse or recycling at end-of-life.
Roof and wall finishes, such as natural zinc and timber cladding, were chosen not only for their longevity but also for their ability to age gracefully and be re-integrated into the material cycle. Interior elements, including cabinetry and partitions, are constructed as modular units that can be relocated or repurposed. No toxic glues or composite materials were used, ensuring that all elements remain clean and separable.
This design approach supports a long-term circular lifecycle, allowing Marhûs to adapt over time and eventually return its materials to use—without loss of value or excessive waste.
Key products in low carbon design
