Well actually it started last week.
Modern day living has become very wastefull and this is having an impact on the environment. There have been many ways designed to combat this in the home, installing solar panels, proper insulation etc. If we built houses with these automatically this could reduce waste and cost. Another impact is importing the materials to build the houses in the first place. By sourcing local materials this can cut down on fuel used. Timber from controlled forests helps to maintain the environment.
Roderick James Architects have designed four different Aspirational Timber Homes, each can be changed to the clients needs, that make the best use of local timber. The buildings can have features such as solar panels, wood burners and rainwater harvesters included into the design. Two of these designs have already been built in the New Forest.
After contacting RJA I am going to make a 1:100 scale model of a new build in Beaulieu that can be used to help with negotiations with the planners, based on the Aspirational Home designs and a 1:50 scale interior model.
I will use acrylic for the structure and wood veneer for the timber panelling. I want to use the laser cutter for the outer cladding as this gives accurate edges and a more professional finish.
I intend to research into some other housing projects and the benefits they are designed to create. I am going to look further into the RJA homes and the building methods with the materials as well as the energy saving technologies used such as the insulation of the entire house.
During this project I hope to improve my time management by setting realistic deadlines and following them. My research will also give me a better understanding of sustainable design.