Tour of the ‘Natural House’ at the Building Research Establishment, Watford

Tuesday 20th April 2010

Bucknalls Lane, Watford, WD25 9XX

The Prince’s Foundation, in collaboration with the Building Research Establishment , Natural Building Technologies and Kingerlee Homes , is engaged on this high-profile build project that will demonstrate that the most effective route to a low energy, low carbon building is through an effective building envelope. This is to be delivered by employing natural building materials.

The house is built from the Thermoplan system comprising aerated clay block (an update of the traditional brick with trapped air pockets forming insulation), wood fibre insulation, lime plaster and clay-tile roofing. The house will deliver high performance standards whilst stressing that ‘eco’ is only meaningful when delivered in a walkable neighbourhood connected by public transport to town and city.

Members of the Foundation were invited to learn and experience this house that is designed to demonstrate a buildable, market-facing solution to the challenges of low-energy living. It can be delivered immediately by the contemporary development industry with existing skills and is entirely fit for purpose — both in the context of current planning requirements and customer expectations in the mainstream residential market.

More information on The Natural House

Some photos from the tour: