The unused land was in a rural setting and hence we had to go through the rigorous process of applying for planning permission under Paragraph 79 (now Paragraph 80) of the National Planning Policy Framework. We had to prove it was ‘truly outstanding or innovative, reflecting the highest standards in architecture, and would help to raise standards of design more generally in rural areas’, as outlined in the policy. Working closely with the local authority, we designed a concept that fulfilled this criteria and after much hard work we secured approval. This was the first Paragraph 79 house approved by Melton Borough Council.

As a self-build and truly experimental project, we partnered with our client and guided them on the best way to meet building regulations using reclaimed materials whilst remaining true to their sustainability principles. Instead of concrete, the foundations were formed from upcycling used car tyres and filling them with compacted earth. The inner walls were constructed from straw bales which were then covered in a clay based plaster containing shredded straw, and the outer roof is a reused farm building frame. We worked closely with specialist consultants to demonstrate that the design achieved a carbon neutral rating.