environmental responsibility. We were asked to extend and refurbish the property, creating a health-conscious, Retrofit PassivHaus that prioritises sustainable materials and methods, without sacrificing aesthetics or functionality.
Q: IN WHAT WAY DID THE PROJECT CONSIDER DESIGN FOR THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY?
A: The flooring is FSC-certified European oak and Eco Cork, both laid without adhesive for future reuse or recycling. Bathroom walls feature Tadelakt, a natural, recyclable Moroccan plaster. Most tiles contain high recycled content. Lighting is supplied by two UK B Corp companies, Orluna and Tala, which guarantee circularity and repair. The building is overclad with durable Siberian larch and has a recyclable zinc dormer. Deconstruction was planned for future material reuse. The client reused their own furniture, sourced vintage accessories, and filled garden gabions with construction rubble.
Q: HOW DID THE PROJECT CONTRIBUTE TO REDUCING CARBON EMISSIONS?
A: Retrofitting instead of demolishing greatly reduced the project’ s carbon footprint. Gas was eliminated, and heating is provided by an air-source heat pump. An efficient MVHR system recovers heat from outgoing air and improves thermal performance, while in summer, a bypass allows cool air in. External insulation, triple-glazed windows, and improved airtightness achieve PassivHaus and EPC A( 99 / 100). Cork, used for flooring and seating, is a highly sustainable material as its harvest does not harm the tree, which absorbs five times more CO 2 than others.
Q: IN WHICH WAY( S) DID THE PROJECT CONSIDER SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY AND WELLBEING?
A: Environmental credentials guided every sourcing decision. Locally made joinery was prioritised, with all pieces produced within a 60-mile radius. Choices favoured recycled or biodegradable materials, minimal chemical processing, and circularity— considering repair, recycling, and disposal. Metalwork featured unlacquered finishes to avoid harmful chemicals. Glass basin units were selected for recyclability, while porcelain worktops and tiles avoided chemical sealants. Soft furnishings and curtains used natural linen or British wool, with natural wool fillings for upholstery and UK-made natural bedding.
The BIID Interior Design Awards is now accepting entries for 2026, and for the first time, entrants will have the opportunity to submit to a dedicated residential or commercial subcategory within their regional project category. The highly respected Anna Whitehead Prize for Sustainability invites designers to showcase their responsible design solutions for consideration this year. This prize serves as a reminder of the significant impact that sustainable design can have on the environment and the future of the interior design industry.
For more information about the BIID Interior Design Awards, please visit: www. biid. org. uk / awards
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