In the UK, buildings account for 25% of total greenhouse gas emissions, with residential properties responsible for 77% of direct emissions from the sector. As Cornwall works toward its ambitious Net Zero target by 2030, building eco-friendly homes is not just a choice but a necessity. Whether you’re planning a new build or retrofitting an existing property, adopting sustainable practices can significantly reduce environmental impact while enhancing comfort and long-term savings.

Why Eco-Friendly Homes Matter

Eco-friendly homes are essential because they address some of the most pressing environmental and societal challenges. Traditional construction methods contribute significantly to climate change, with buildings accounting for 27% of carbon dioxide emissions in the UK and 30% of total energy use. Sustainable homes reduce this impact through energy efficiency, the integration of renewable energy, and resource conservation.

These homes lower greenhouse gas emissions and help the UK meet its legal target of achieving net zero by 2050. They also cut operational costs for homeowners through reduced energy and water bills, with savings averaging £138 annually per household. Additionally, eco-friendly homes minimise waste generation during construction and use durable materials, which reduces maintenance needs over time.

Even better, eco-friendly designs enhance indoor air quality by using non-toxic materials and advanced ventilation systems, which create healthier living spaces.

Key Features of Eco-Friendly Homes in Cornwall

Eco-friendly homes incorporate design principles and technologies that significantly reduce environmental impact while enhancing energy efficiency, comfort, and sustainability. These homes are built to address critical issues such as carbon emissions, resource depletion, and water scarcity. Below are the essential features that define sustainable housing.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is a cornerstone of sustainable home design. Poorly insulated homes in the UK lose up to 25% of heat through their roofs and 35% through walls, according to the Energy Saving Trust. Proper insulation, double or triple-glazed windows, and airtight construction can significantly reduce heat loss. For instance, high-quality insulation alone can cut heat loss by up to 50%, leading to substantial savings on heating costs. The UK’s Energy Saving Trust estimates that a well-insulated home can save homeowners up to £310 annually on energy bills.

Renewable energy systems, such as solar panels and air-source or ground-source heat pumps, further enhance efficiency. Solar panels can generate up to 70% of a household's annual electricity needs, while heat pumps provide three to four units of heat for every unit of electricity consumed. These systems not only reduce reliance on fossil fuels but also qualify for government incentives like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, making them more accessible.

Sustainable Materials

The choice of materials has a significant impact on a home’s carbon footprint. Locally sourced and low-impact materials reduce embodied carbon while supporting local economies. Examples include:

• Timber from certified sustainable forests: This renewable material has low embodied energy and sequesters carbon during its growth.
• Recycled aggregates for foundations: Using recycled materials reduces waste and conserves natural resources.
• Natural insulation materials like sheep’s wool or hempcrete: These materials are biodegradable, non-toxic, and highly effective at regulating indoor temperatures.

Sustainable materials also improve durability and reduce maintenance costs over time. For instance, reclaimed stone or slate not only preserves historical character but also minimises the need for new material extraction.

Water Conservation

Water conservation is vital in eco-friendly home design, especially in regions like Cornwall, where water scarcity is becoming more pronounced. The average daily water consumption in the UK is 150 litres per person, but sustainable homes can significantly lower this figure. For instance:

• Eco-friendly homes could feature rainwater harvesting systems that collect and store rainwater for non-potable uses, such as toilet flushing and garden irrigation, which would reduce mains water demand by up to 50%.
• Greywater recycling systems are also a sustainable idea as they treat wastewater from sinks and showers for reuse in toilets or outdoor applications.
• Low-flow fixtures, aerated taps, and dual-flush toilets further cut water usage.

Sustainable homes also incorporate drought-resistant planting schemes to minimise outdoor water needs. These measures not only conserve water but also lower utility bills and reduce the energy required for water treatment, thereby cutting associated carbon emissions.

Passivhaus Design

Passive design leverages natural elements like sunlight, wind, and thermal mass to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures year-round with minimal energy use. For instance:

• South-facing windows maximise solar heat gain during winter, while shading devices prevent overheating in summer.
• Thermal mass materials like concrete or rammed earth absorb heat during the day and release it at night, stabilising indoor temperatures.
• Cross-ventilation strategies utilise prevailing winds to naturally cool interiors, reducing reliance on air conditioning. These features not only lower energy bills but also improve indoor air quality by promoting natural airflow.

Incorporating these key features into your home ensures a sustainable living environment that benefits both you and the planet.

Working With Us: A Collaborative Approach

Designing an eco-friendly home requires a partnership that prioritises sustainability, efficiency, and compliance with UK regulations. The team at Metters and Wellby Architects in Bude specialises in creating bespoke homes that not only meet but often exceed environmental standards. Collaboration is at the heart of our approach, and we ensure your vision aligns with sustainable practices. Here's what we offer;

Tailored Design

We work closely with you to understand your lifestyle, preferences, and the unique characteristics of your site. Every decision reflects a commitment to sustainability. For example, orienting living spaces to maximise natural light reduces energy demands while enhancing comfort. We also explore renewable energy options, such as solar panels or heat pumps, tailoring solutions to your budget and goals.

Our designs incorporate the fabric-first approach, which prioritises high-performance building materials and airtight construction to minimise energy loss. Homes built using this method can achieve up to 90% reductions in heating requirements compared to traditional builds, as seen in Passivhaus-certified projects.

Highly Exceeding Standards

While meeting UK regulations, such as Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) requirements, is essential, we aim higher. Achieving an EPC A rating ensures your home ranks among the most energy-efficient properties nationwide. Our designs often integrate features that surpass statutory requirements, such as advanced insulation systems and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) units.

The UK government’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 drives stricter building standards. By planning ahead, we future-proof your home against regulatory changes while reducing long-term costs.

Local Expertise

Cornwall’s distinct geography and heritage present unique challenges and opportunities. Our team’s experience with local planning authorities ensures smooth approval processes while respecting the area’s character. We integrate modern eco-friendly features into traditional designs, preserving Cornwall’s architectural identity.

For instance, we often recommend locally sourced materials, such as Cornish slate or timber certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). These choices reduce embodied carbon while supporting local economies. Additionally, we account for Cornwall’s climate by incorporating water conservation measures such as rainwater harvesting systems.

Building for a Sustainable Cornwall

With Cornwall’s ambitious goal of achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2030, constructing eco-friendly homes is not just an opportunity but a responsibility. By adopting sustainable building practices, you can play a vital role in reducing these figures while creating a home that is energy-efficient, cost-effective, and future-ready.

Whether you’re planning a new build or retrofitting an existing property, sustainable design is the cornerstone of a greener future. With our expertise in Passivhaus principles and sustainable design, we’ll help you create a home that meets your aspirations while exceeding environmental standards. Contact us today to start your journey toward a greener home!

The rolling hills of North Cornwall hide countless architectural treasures waiting to be uncovered. Cann Orchard, situated on the outskirts of the peaceful village of Marhamchurch near Bude, is one such discovery—a derelict barn that will be transformed into a stunning contemporary home.

A Vision Amidst Decay

When we first encountered the original structure, it stood as a testament to its agricultural heritage, with weathered stone walls telling stories of generations past. The barn's deteriorating condition demanded urgent intervention, yet within its crumbling framework lay immense potential. Our team recognised an opportunity to preserve this piece of Cornwall's architectural history while reimagining its purpose for modern living.

Design Philosophy

Our approach centred on creating a harmonious dialogue between old and new. The original barn's distinctive character - its robust stone walls, traditional roof pitch, and time-worn timber - inspired a design that respects original architecture while embracing contemporary elements.

The modern extension, crafted with timber cladding and floor-to-ceiling glazing, creates a striking visual contrast while complementing the barn's historic fabric. Large windows frame spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, bringing natural light deep into living spaces and establishing a seamless connection with the Cornish landscape.

Navigating Planning Complexities

The journey from concept to approval required careful navigation of planning regulations, including preparing detailed statements and negotiations with planning authorities to secure the necessary approvals. Despite the challenges, we successfully obtained consent for the project.

A Sustainable Approach

Sustainability drove many design decisions. This eco-friendly home is orientated to respond to its surroundings, taking advantage of available views and maximising exposure to the south for optimum solar panel efficiency.

Both the existing barn and extension are designed with extremely high insulation and airtightness levels exceeding standard requirements to minimise energy consumption.

The landscape layout has been designed to accommodate areas of new wildflowers and lavender planting with the addition of fruit bearing trees. New Cornish hedge bank with mix of native plants are to be planted to encourage biodiversity net gains.

A ground-source heat pump combined with a large solar array provides on-site energy generation, minimising reliance on the national grid and reducing energy costs. This sustainable, eco-friendly home will be fit for the future.

Client Experience

"From start to finish, their professionalism was outstanding," shares the property owner. "Emails were responded to instantly and they took control of the whole project, liaising with planning and all the reports and professional people needed to achieve the planning permission... I'd highly recommend anyone to use them."

Despite challenges, our team's persistence and expertise secured the necessary planning permission. This collaborative approach with our client exemplifies our commitment to guiding projects from concept to completion.

Looking Forward

As this project moves into its construction phase, our CGI visualisations offer a compelling preview of Cann Orchard's future and showcase the property for estate agents to reach potential buyers for the project. These images showcase how thoughtful architectural intervention can breathe new life into forgotten buildings, creating spaces that honour their past while serving contemporary needs.

The transformation of Cann Orchard represents more than just a renovation—it's a testament to the possibility of preserving Cornwall's architectural heritage through sensitive, contemporary design. We look forward to working with the new owners to realise this vision and create a home that will stand proudly in the landscape for generations to come.

You have a vision and know exactly what that house renovation project or new apartment block could look like. Communicating that to stakeholders and potential buyers isn't always as easy. Often, they cannot "see" the outcome you do. Cutting-edge CGI services can eliminate confusion and create opportunities for impressive collaborations. With our CGI services for estate agents, property developers, and architects, it has never been easier to see a successful future.

What can Metters and Wellby's CGI services do for the property industry?

Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) utilises technology to create photorealistic images. Utilising an architect's drawings for a property or other detailed descriptions, our CGI services can take ideas and make them look like they've already been built long before a single brick is put in place.

As an experienced architectural practice, we understand the benefits that CGI can bring to a project. We go beyond design. Our CGI visuals accurately reflect the form and function of your project, ensuring realism and precision.

The Benefits of Visualising Through CGI

Providing an image to a prospective investor allows them to see the vision that you do, as a property developer, designer, or architect has to offer. There are numerous benefits to visualising property development long before any money is invested:

Improve clarity on projects during the design phase

One of the first and most impressive benefits of CGI for property developers and architects occurs in the design stage. Certainly, two-dimensional architectural drawings are very important resources for creating goals and project details.

However, taking those two-dimensional drawings and creating a more realistic and clearer image using CGI transforms the process. Your ideas and designs are transformed into life-like photos as if the project is already complete and move-in-ready.

An added benefit to visualising the project is that it speeds up the design process. From the start, there is better communication and clarity on the project’s objectives and expectations. That clarity can help minimise the amount of back-and-forth communication required to get it just right, saving time.

Sell the property project to local planners

Accurate, highly professional CGI images provide clarity and erase doubt. When working with local planners or other parties who could decide on whether the project can go ahead or not, it is critical to have a clear visual available to support your submission.

For example, local planners may not be confident of a project’s ability to fit within the community or operate in a way that is safe for the area. With the use of CGI, it is possible to clearly communicate every detail of a project. That visualisation eliminates doubt and provides clarity on project outcomes, which is so critical for getting approval to move a project forward.

Securing financing for the project

With so much risk in various areas of the property development world, financiers need to mitigate risk in any way they can. The utilisation of CGI by project owners could help defray the frustration and provide a clearer, more on-point visual of the project. This answers questions and builds confidence in all stakeholders.

CGI makes it easier to pitch for financing your project. It is not just a concept or a flat drawing that you are using to ask for funding. Instead, you are providing ample clarity that allows finance companies and equity partners to clearly see the advantages of funding the project.

Early stage selling

Another of the benefits of utilising CGI is that it enables you to sell your property. Not every stakeholder can visualise a project from a drawing. They want to see how it looks, room by room, and one feature to the next., This provides prospective buyers with a more realistic representation of what the property will provide to them and enables them to make better decisions.

CGI is not simply for exterior views of the property, though. It also enables buyers to see the shapes, colours, textures, and layouts of various rooms within the space. Use it to get a better representation of colour combinations, the natural light of a space, and the floor plan of various options. This improves the early stage selling of such properties.

CGI Is Changing the Property Industry One Project at a Time

All parties invested in the development, sale, and eventual living within a project must have clarity on the realistic expectations available. CGI creates clarity, answers questions, and boosts confidence. It is a small investment for the pre-planning, approval, and sales process. More so, today's consumers expect to have a true visual experience of any project before a single brick is put into place.

For estate agents, the use of virtual tools and detailed, three-dimensional images helps property buyers clearly see what their future could hold. These types of experiences help to save agents time, allowing the buyer to clearly see whether a property is worthy of consideration long before visiting the location.

 This has resulted in numerous benefits to all stakeholders in these projects. That may include:

• Higher sale prices: With more confidence that a project is exactly what the buyer decides, they are more willing to pay up for that product. Higher sales prices are one of the core benefits.
• Impressive interest gains: For property developers and estate agents, creating a “wow” factor is critical to ensuring enough demand for a project before it takes off.
• Fewer revisions: For architects and property developers working directly with stakeholders and project owners, it is critical to create a very clear, very accurate detailing of what a space looks like. This can reduce the number of times the space must be reconfigured.

With a higher potential selling point for your next property, improved interest from buyers who may not have ever considered the project before now, and a wide range of time-saving features, CGI services are a must today.

Explore how these tools are being used every day in the property industry to build confidence, increase revenue, secure financing, and move property development to the next level. With visualised examples of what a property development may look like, there is absolutely no doubt you can have the confidence to move your project forward.

Find out more about our CGI Service

Passivhaus Design, or "passive house," is a groundbreaking concept in sustainable architecture that prioritizes energy efficiency, comfort, and environmental responsibility. Originating in Germany, the Passivhaus standard has become synonymous with high-performance building design, offering a blueprint for the future of sustainable living.

What Makes Passivhaus Special?

At the heart of Passivhaus design is the pursuit of unparalleled energy efficiency. By focusing on meticulous insulation, airtight construction, and advanced ventilation systems, Passivhaus buildings drastically reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling—often by as much as 90% compared to traditional buildings. This not only results in significant cost savings for homeowners but also ensures a healthier indoor environment, characterised by consistent temperatures, superior air quality, and a dramatically reduced carbon footprint.

The Core Principles of Passivhaus

To achieve the Passivhaus standard, a building must adhere to several key principles:

1. High-Performance Insulation: The building envelope must be highly insulated to minimize heat loss during winter and keep interiors cool during summer.
2. Airtight Construction: A well-sealed building prevents drafts and uncontrolled air leakage, which can lead to energy loss.
3. Thermal Bridge-Free Design: By eliminating thermal bridges, areas where heat can escape, the building maintains a consistent internal temperature with minimal energy input.
4. High-Performance Windows: Windows in a Passivhaus building are energy-efficient and designed with insulated frames to prevent heat loss.
5. Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery: A sophisticated ventilation system ensures that fresh air circulates throughout the building without compromising energy efficiency. Heat recovery systems extract warmth from outgoing air, further reducing energy needs.
6. Accurate Design Modelling: Using tools like the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP), architects and builders can precisely model energy use and performance, ensuring that the design meets the stringent Passivhaus criteria.

Why Choose Passivhaus?

Opting for Passivhaus design is not just about constructing a building; it's about embracing a philosophy of sustainability. Buildings that meet the Passivhaus standard are not only energy-efficient but also contribute to a more sustainable future by reducing the overall environmental impact. For homeowners, this means lower energy bills, a more comfortable living environment, and the satisfaction of knowing that they are making a positive contribution to the planet.

Passivhaus design represents a commitment to a greener future, offering a clear pathway to achieving significant energy savings and reducing carbon emissions. For those passionate about sustainable living, Passivhaus is the gold standard.

Get in Touch

If you're interested in exploring how Passivhaus principles can be applied to your next project, don't hesitate to contact us. With the expertise of Sam, our in-house Passivhaus designer, you can ensure that your building is not only energy-efficient but also aligned with the highest standards of sustainability.

Embrace Passivhaus—build for the future, today.