Using local materials in construction can
contribute to the relative sustainability of a new building or development and
automatically leads to local distinctiveness. The use of local resources has contributed
so much to the diverse and attractive character of the region’s towns and
villages.
The South West has an excellent range of
examples, from granite structures in Cornwall, to cob and thatch in Devon, to a
variety of limestone, willow and reed in the rest of the region.
It has to be acknowledged that present day
economics make the use of local materials more difficult in those areas where
easily worked local stone is not available. Sometim
es the environmental costs and benefits of using local versus
non-local materials have to be balanced. Where local materials
are scarce, for instance, it may not be
appropriate to channel them into large-scale development. Nevertheless there
could be more sensitivity shown in the choice of materials for modern building,
for instance in the colour of bricks and by avoiding unnecessary additions
which are not typical of an area. More adventurous, sustainable approaches such
as timber-framing and building
with straw bales are inexpensive, easy to maintain and good for insulation.
- When adding to a building can materials which match or blend with the existing construction be used?
- When does such an approach become pastiche and be better
replaced with a new development which is more individualistic and contrasting?
- How much more expensive would local sourcing of
materials be? How much more expensive would sourcing of traditional materials
be? What would be the benefits? Reduction in public opposition? An easier
planning application?
- Does your organisation have the appropriate level of
expertise to make effective decisions about sustainable materials and design?
Do you know where you can get help and advice if required?
- Have you assessed the impact which the proposed
buildings and their materials wil have on the existing built environment?
- Could existing buildings on the site, which perhaps
capture something of the local character, be re-used in the new development?
- Are you prepared to encourage, organise and finance “Planning for real”, Village Design
Statements etc. so that local people can become involved in the design process,
and feel greater ownership of their surroundings and place in the community?
- The use of local materials enhances the environment, the
sense of place and local identity, creating more community pride in the built
environment rather than opposition to change
- The local economy is improved with more jobs and synergy
between local businesses in construction, and better success for local firms
- The use of local materials and goods mean less freight
is travelling by road
- Many traditional materials involve less processing and
therefore less industrial waste and pollution
- Oaklands Park, Dawlish
- New development at Abbotsbury
- Village Design: making local character count in new
development. Countryside Agency, 1996
- Areas of Local Distinctiveness: Devon Conservation Forum
- Common Ground (www.commonground.org.uk) - various
publications Tel: 01747 850820
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