18.08.2011 Mark Waghorn confirmed to speak at Off-Grid EventFollowing a popular talk at last years event, Mark has been invited to return to deliver this year's opening presentation at the Off-Grid College at 3pm on Thursday August 18th. This special introductory module will give an overview of the key stages of building an off-grid home as well as looking at planning and building regulations in depth. Finally, the talk will end with some proposals for combining the best of high-tech and low-tech building methods to create comfortable homes that are in balance with their surroundings.Off-Grid is a four day event celebrating sustainable living, alternative energy and community spirit. It is held at Fernhill Organic Farm in Somerset from August 18-21, 2011.14.12.2010 Mark Waghorn speaks at Sustainable Design and Renewable Energy conference in RigaHosted by the Environmental Development Association of Latvia, this conference focused on the important steps that Latvia is taking to combat climate change. Government subsidies and grants will allow individuals and organisations to make significant investments in upgrading existing building stock and convertng to on-site renewable energy supplies. Mark talked about the development of new standards for low energy design in the UK as well as the work of MW Architects in focusing on self-sufficiency as the key to sustainable living.Please email us to find out more about the conference and individual presentations. 11.10.2010Construction begins on Cairn Valley Sustainable HouseThe much awaited construction of Cairn Valley carbon neutral house has started. Designed by Mark Waghorn Architects (MWA), the site of Cairn Valley Sustainable House is situated on a farm near the village of Moniaive, South West Scotland. Its construction will be carried out by Scottish civil engineering and construction contractor 3b construction. The overall building process is estimated to take approximately 10 months. MWA's design is inspired by the natural forms and materials of the setting on the southern slopes of the Cairn Valley. Their vision is for an organic feature integrated into the landscape. A copse of trees and outcrop of rocks will frame the house, while existing external dry stone walls will extend to the buildings interior, thus rooting it to the site.The architects have taken into consideration the potential impact on the environment associated with the building of a new structure and aim to implement the sustainable strategy throughout the project. Starting at the construction stage, the carbon footprint will be minimised by using local materials. Wool sheared from sheep in the farm will constitute the main fabric for the insulation. The building will be clad in native oak, while locally reclaimed timber will be used on balustrades, stairs and other fixtures throughout the house. Once built, Cairn Valley House will be energy self-sufficient. Renewables such as solar energy, wind power and rainwater will be used to guarantee a constant supply of heat, electricity and water. Rainwater collected from the roof will be processed via UV filters and heated by the energy harnessed from solar panels. A wind turbine will generate the required electricity and export any excess to the National Grid. In addition highly insulated external walls and airtight windows and doors will also contribute to achieving the highest degree of sustainability. The attention to detail in the design extends to every single aspect of habitation. The architects' research into energy use around the home has led to innovations that take advantage of the natural conditions. Clothes will be dried quickly by the sun in a ventilated glazed area linked to the laundry, while a food store will take advantage of cool nights to keep food fresh throughout the day. Self-contained wings have been designed to suit the particular activities they accommodate and different heating or cooling strategies have been developed for each wing in accordance with their requirements. A key aspect of this development is the architects' commitment to recording the process and making their experience available as a tool to all those concerned with creating sustainable homes.
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