Design & Planning

The construction and energy use of new buildings is a major contributor to CO2 emissions in the UK. Our architect, Andrew Banks, has spent many years looking at ways of mitigating this problem through both design and construction. He has been particularly impressed by buildings which are almost exclusively of timber frame construction. Not only are they durable in extreme conditions but they are also highly insulated, using sustainable materials, and require very little heating.

The proposed Community Shop and Café has been designed to create a sustainable, high quality, durable building which will be an exemplar of the standards to which all new buildings should aim. It will be constructed to higher standards than can generally be achieved in buildings using more traditional brick, block and concrete.

sustainable

Timber Cladding

The proposed building will be constructed as a timber frame building with vertical timber cladding. Sustainable timber is essential for lowering carbon emissions.

The timber finish will also ensure the building sits next to the village hall, designed with the intention to feel like an outbuilding to the existing community building.

structural

Integrated Panel System

The building would be 12m x 10m and constructed using a structural integrated panels system (SIPs). SIPs is a high performance building system used in both residential and light commercial construction. The panels consist of an insulating foam core sandwiched between two structural facings, typically oriented strand board (OSB). SIPs are manufactured under factory-controlled conditions and can be made to fit nearly any building design.

biodiversity

Planting & Landscaping

It is intended to include landscaping in the design of the surroundings, to complement planting round the village hall and increase the biodiversity of the site.

Expect also an abundance of vegetables and produce displays by the shop entrance creating an inviting aesthetic.