Sustainability Report
Embodied carbon
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Extensive reuse of existing building fabric (roof tiles, terracotta floors, windows, doors, mantles).
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Locally sourced replacement materials (oak, brown-purple brick, clay floors, bluestone).
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Secondhand furniture from Rotor DC to reduce new production emissions.
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Repair prioritized over replacement to minimize new material input.
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Lightweight interventions where possible to reduce structural load.
Operational Emissions / Energy
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Insulating sarking added beneath existing roof tiles.
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Custom insulating lime plaster applied to internal walls.
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Ultra-thin secondary glazing in restored windows.
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Modern, discreet ventilation integrated through attic units, chimney flues, and built-in furniture to reduce heating/cooling demand.
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Efficient heating systems (Jaga) and HVAC system (SPIE).
Service and maintenance emissions
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Materials chosen for durability and longevity (brick, oak, bluestone).
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Repairable systems: restored stairs, mantles, doors, windows instead of full replacement.
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Modular interior interventions (oak frames with MDF infill) allow future maintenance or adaptation with minimal waste.
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Easy access to ventilation and lighting for maintenance.
Afterlife
The entire project is a model for adaptive reuse:
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Historic houses adapted for university but maintain flexible spatial organization (atelier spaces, shared kitchens, auditoriums, exhibition areas).
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Reflecting pool can transform into a stage.
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Interiors and attics designed for multiple uses, so future programs could occupy the same spaces.
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Oak joinery and MDF infill panels are modular and repairable.
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Secondary glazing, doors, and mantles are reused or can be reused.
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Fixtures like wainscoting, copper-clad dormers, and some furniture can be removed and repurposed.
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The approach emphasizes repair and material longevity, enabling potential circular reuse.
Key products in low carbon design
