Overview

Built in 2012 The Prince’s Natural House demonstrates a simple, low-tech and easy to build alternative for volume housebuilders seeking to meet increasingly stringent low carbon targets for new homes.

Design

Built in 2011 by The Prince’s Foundation for Building Community, the house is a highly energy-efficient structure that still reflects many people’s preference for traditionally designed buildings.

It is constructed from natural materials including aerated clay block, lime based renders and plasters, and insulation using compressed wood fibre and sheep’s wool. The thermally coherent shell, which delivers energy efficiency and good indoor air quality, is simple and quick to build and is designed to appeal to an increasingly eco-aware homebuyer.

Materials & Technologies

• Simple construction which can be realised with conventional skills and more quickly than traditional brick and block
• Solid walls made from strong, lightweight clay blocks by NBT with external lime render, high levels of thermal insulation and lower embodied energy than conventional bricks
• Wood fibre and sheep wool roof insulation
• Use of natural, non-toxic materials providing a healthy indoor environment
• Passive ventilation system that modulates airflow according to the local relative humidity levels
• Materials sourced with view to maximising end of life recyclability – includes floors and windows made from FSC certified timber and clay roof tiles
• Organic garden featuring native wildflowers and grasses, fruiting shrubs and trees, herbs, vegetables and horticultural plants that provide amenity, food and medicinal value
• Wood burning stove with gas boiler

Performance

Resources

Prince’s Foundation: The Prince’s Natural House