Construction World April 2015

ENVIRONMENT

Green construction methods for a brighter future ManyofthehousesatMonaghanhavebeenconstructedwithrammed earth – a technique of building walls using natural raw materials. This is an age-old building method that has seen a revival in recent years as people seek more sustainable ways of building. Rammed- earth walls are easily built, noncombustible, thermally insulated (reducing the need for heating) and durable. Low carbon building techniques include light-steel-frame construction and bricks being manufactured on site. As air conditioning is not permitted, resi- dences are built facing the North with passive solar design, natural light and cross aeration. Most homes have wood burning fire stoves or solar water-born under floor heating and photovoltaic panels create electricity for many houses on Monaghan. These remarkable features now mean that several homes are feeding electricity back into the national grid. House Kavuma and Stand 47 Two noteworthy residences at Monaghan Farm are House Kavuma and Stand 47. Both of these homes are currently receiving much media attention and industry accolades. House Kavuma was shortlisted for the 2013 AfriSam SAIA Award for Sustainable Architecture. Designed by Claude Bailey Architects and built by Style Projects, House Kavuma is a master- piece of ecological measure and self-sustainability: employing the Rammed Earth technique and harvesting 40 000 litres of water for the low maintenance house and garden amongst many other features. Fixtures make use of recycled timber, sustainable bamboo, solar power and natural light. Heat exchange hot water pumps provide hot water with a low consumption wood stove heating the home interior. Stand 47 is an architectural case study and collaborative build project between Saint-Goban Gyproc as materials partner, Style Projects and Thomashoff and Partner Architects. The team set out to create a modern, energy efficient home that is able to adapt to the changing needs of its owners. The concept home takes conventional materials and processes and then translates them into a modern upskilled version with contemporary design and state of the art technology. The materials utilised in its creation were nimble dry walling, timber and steel and along with insulation, solar power and rainwater harvesting, have produced a self-sustaining and beautiful ‘smart’ home. ECO ESTATE

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CONSTRUCTION WORLD APRIL 2015