Sustainability Report

Embodied carbon overview

• Purbeck Cottage was shaped by the clients’ philosophy of radical reuse, which TYPE describes as both a design philosophy and an environmental strategy. From the outset, the clients had a strong design aesthetic and a clear view of the impact the project could have on the environment. In response, TYPE adopted an unwritten rule: reuse what could be taken from the site, and where that was not possible, look to local suppliers and second-hand sources before considering new materials.
• This principle guided many of the decisions throughout the project and became an important part of its character. No extensions were added and the external envelope remains largely intact, avoiding the embodied carbon associated with demolition and new construction.
• The two existing cottages were treated as a source of material in their own right. During the strip-out, every material removed was assessed for salvage, repair, or adaptation. Old floor joists were reused as studwork for the new service core; deteriorated floorboards were repurposed as ceiling cladding; salvaged timber cladding was reused as wall panelling, doors, shelving, and kitchen shelf cladding.
• Where materials could not be sourced from within the cottages, TYPE turned to specialist reclamation yards, local suppliers, and second-hand sources.
• A formal embodied carbon assessment was not undertaken during the project. TYPE’s focus at the time was on understanding whether the concept was viable and identifying suitable supply chains while construction was progressing on site. The studio has stated that this exercise needs to be carried out and is something it is currently reviewing.

Operational emissions overview

• The energy strategy was guided by the same pragmatic approach applied throughout the project, with TYPE making considered improvements to the cottage’s energy performance while respecting its existing fabric and character.
• The architects saw the clients as the current custodians of the cottage and sought to balance improved energy performance with the breathability, condition, and historic character of the original Purbeck limestone buildings. Where it made sense to intervene, TYPE upgraded the roof, introduced wood-fibre insulation, applied an insulating lime-based plaster to the walls in place of cement render, and replaced the deteriorated sash windows with high-performance timber casements. The lime-based plaster allows the stone structure to breathe while improving thermal performance.
• The former fossil-fuel heating system was replaced with an air-source heat pump and solar panels. Openings were adjusted to improve daylight and passive solar gain, while services were integrated without disrupting the cottages’ original character.
• At the same time, TYPE recognised the value of elements such as the original Purbeck limestone walls. Rather than seeking to improve every part of the building, the studio chose to retain these features as they are, preserving the breathability, texture, and authenticity that give the cottage its distinctive character.
• Where improvements were not made at this stage, the focus was on preparing the building so that future custodians can introduce further upgrades with minimal disruption and impact. In that sense, the project embraces the historic character of the cottage while recognising that its story and evolution will continue long after TYPE’s involvement.