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15
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