Old Barn Road

An innovative self-build project in the heart of Bournville

Having researched the demand for structured eco self-build Bournville Architects were commissioned to create a development of eight highly energy efficient and eco-conscious homes in Bournville Birmingham.

Each of the eight detached houses will be built off a platform supported on mini-piles in order to allow the houses to sit as lightly on the site as possible; hence we do not plan to move large amounts of earth around and avoid disturbing tree roots.

We propose to use timber cladding to the walls and natural organic materials as part of the landscape treatment. Each house will achieve code 4 or beyond, with a very high level of insulation and allow for mechanical heat recovery, and heat pumps.

This approach has enabled a disused site which was previously thought not to be viable for construction to be developed for the benefit of the local community.