Dungeness, Kent, UK

Architect: BBM Sustainable Design
Contractor: Eco-librium Solutions
Completed: 2003

The visitor centre is constructed with straw bales within a timber frame. Straw bales structures are generally disassembleable, but this depends on the external finish used. In this case minimal use of cement or glues was made in the construction so as to avoid composite constructions that would prove difficult to disassemble. Lime render was used on the exterior of the bales, which can be removed should it be required and the straw bales can be composted. The timber frame elements were mechanically joint allowing for future dismantling.

BUILDING SUSTAINABLE DESIGN FEATURES

Site and Ecology
The materials used (timber and straw) link the building to its surroundings. The roof has a sedum cover.

Community and Culture

Health

Materials
Use of locally sourced materials, such as chestnut for the timber frame and straw for the wall in fill material, aggregate from only 5km away from resurfacing work to the M20.

Energy
Straw bales are relatively good insulants.

Water