Renowned author in sustainable architecture, Duncan Baker Brown, to speak at WoodBUILD 2024 workshop on 3 July at 11:30: ‘Circular economy and Sustainable schools challenge’
Duncan Baker Brown, founder of BakerBrown Studio, a practice focussing on architecture and the circular economy, is a leading voice in sustainable architecture. He has spent over 25 years pushing the boundaries of sustainable development and circular design. His journey from a passionate environmental activist to an influential architect and academic has been driven by a commitment to addressing the climate and ecological emergencies through innovative design practices.
Duncan will be part of an enticing panel of speakers, including Katherine Adams from Reusefully, Richard Farmer and Sioned Hughes from Gwynedd Council. This session will be hosted by Dr Diana Waldron, Head of Built Environment, Woodknowledge Wales and chaired by Seb Laan-Lomas, Associate and Passivhaus Designer, Architype. This will be one of the parallel sessions taking place on the second day of WoodBUILD 2024 in Swansea, at 11:30 on Wednesday 3 July.
“We are really excited to offer this opportunity for our conference delegates to engage with this amazing panel of speakers. We will be discussing important issues around circular economy, with a particular focus on what can we do to encourage and implement the reuse of materials in construction. This is still quite a niche area in the UK, a situation that is unacceptable in a country that has already declared a Climate Emergency. Why are we still struggling to assist our construction industry in their efforts to reuse perfectly good quality building materials? The fact is that we are still sending large quantities of construction waste to landfill unnecessarily, just because that’s the way the system works here in the UK. We need to join forces to change this and find suitable solutions. We hope this session will bring us a step closer to nudge our industry in the right direction.” Dr Diana Waldron, Head of Built Environment, Woodknowledge Wales.
Duncan recently announced his candidacy for RIBA President, aiming to bring circular economy principles to the forefront of the architectural industry. His practice, BakerBrown, focuses on research-led architectural and consultancy services designed to meet the challenges of a post-COVID world while addressing climate demands.
Circular Economy in Practice
Duncan’s work, both in practice and academia, has garnered numerous accolades, including RIBA National Awards and the Stephen Lawrence Prize for the Brighton Waste House. The prize money from the latter has funded a student prize for circular design at the University of Brighton, where Duncan teaches.
The Brighton Waste House, a project made from waste materials, has evolved from a pedagogic tool to a serious research project. “We’ve installed old duvets as insulation and tiles made from discarded oyster shells,” Duncan explains. “Monitoring their performance has been insightful. The house has gained attention from media and has become a platform for funded research projects.”
Driving Change in the Industry
Duncan believes collaboration is key to integrating circular thinking in architecture. “It’s important to bring together financial modellers, urban miners, architects, and academics,” he says. “The people on the ground are really making a difference.”
His approach is not just theoretical. BakerBrown has been at the forefront of sustainable design since winning the RIBA ‘House of the Future’ competition. Their notable projects include the circular economy-influenced Greenwich Millennium Village and The House That Kevin Built, the UK’s first A* Energy Rated Building.
Source: BakerBrown
Innovative Materials and Techniques
One of the innovative techniques Duncan’s practice employs is harvest mapping. “We take a 5-10km radius around the site to find materials to use,” he explains. This method reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting materials and supports local economies.
BakerBrown is also involved in an EU-funded research project aimed at finding alternatives to cement, one of the most carbon-intensive materials in construction. “We’ve created beautiful tiles from oyster shells,” Duncan says. “They’re made from 90% calcium carbonate, the same as limestone.”
Future Projects and Visions
Looking ahead, Duncan is excited about a new project inspired by the Brighton Waste House. “The next project is a deconstruct/reconstruct initiative. We’ll dismantle a building slated for demolition and use its materials to construct a new building. It’s about showing that there’s no such thing as waste.”
This vision extends to advocating for reconfiguring existing buildings rather than demolishing them. “In London, buildings are constantly going up and down. We can present alternatives that don’t involve starting from scratch.”
Building a Sustainable Future
At BakerBrown, there’s a strong belief that good design and sustainability go hand in hand. “Our buildings are about material, light, and time,” Duncan says. “They function beautifully, age well, and work with the planet, not against it.”
By partnering with private clients, developers, and local authorities, BakerBrown has demonstrated that it’s possible to build sustainably without compromising on aesthetics. Their work champions the circular economy, using local materials and resources, and focusing on retrofitting and adapting rather than demolishing.
Communication and Education
Duncan is also a passionate communicator. From international symposiums to TEDx talks, Duncan’s influence extends across the globe, inspiring a new generation of architects to embrace circular economy principles. His mission is to spread the message that the built environment can play a crucial role in addressing the climate crisis. “If the built environment is responsible for nearly half the world’s carbon emissions, then it also holds the key to creating a better future,” he asserts.
By championing the circular economy, Duncan is paving the way for a more sustainable future in the construction industry. His journey, marked by groundbreaking projects and a commitment to education and collaboration, serves as an inspiration for architects and builders everywhere to rethink their approach and embrace sustainable design.
For those in the timber industry and beyond, Duncan’s message is clear: sustainable design is not just possible; it’s essential for our future.
Don’t miss the opportunity to hear Duncan speak and collaborate with him, Katherine Adams from Reusefully and ASBP, Richard Farmer and Sionned Hughes from Gwynedd Council, and both Dr Diana Waldron from Woodknowledge Wales and Seb Laan-Lomas from Architype.
Register for WoodBUILD 2024 now and choose ‘Circular economy and the Sustainable Schools’ Challenge’ during the 11:30 breakout session on Day 2, Wednesday 3 July.
