Little Edgecumbe

The main structure of this new dwelling was created using Cross Laminated Timber (CLT). The approach uses FSC accredited softwood, grown especially for this type of use, and which is sustainably sourced and managed. The timber is then laminated in layers at 90 degrees to one another. The benefit of this system is that it forms a structural wall, floor or roof panel using an entirely renewable construction material. The timber also acts as a carbon store, soaking up CO2 during its growth, and locking in carbon within the structure of the building. The CLT panels form the load bearing structure of the house and are covered with wood fibre insulation board. This wood insulation (Steico) carries the same CO2 storage benefits as the main CLT frame but is created in a lightweight and vapour permeable way. It means that house can be kept warm using products that are far more environmentally friendly than the normal rigid insulation boards.

Three layers of 80mm Steico board were used to give a 240mm star nature system. The Baumit StarSystem Nature utilises wood fibre board, in this instance Steico, to create a thermally efficient façade. Consisting of a number of layers, Baumit StarContact White, StarTex mesh, UniPrimer and 2 coats of StarTop 1.5mm to finish providing benefits from dirt and algae prevention for properties in their most vapour permeable solution. Bespoke profiles were manufactured by Austrotherm to replicate a stone finish of buildings in this area. This fell in line with the specific design and planning requirements for the property, the Austrotherm cornice details and strings were finished with white star colour. Plinth and column details were created from 20mm EPS boards and finished with baumit render. Finally, to ensure the quality of finish on the interior walls matched those of the exterior, Baumit SX Airless was used to plaster the whole property.