Embracing the principles of a circular economy by prioritised material reuse not just at the end of the building’s life but from the very beginning led to a remarkably low-carbon and low-cost building
Congratulations to Toby Maclean and his team at Allt Environmental Structural Engineers, Shaun Ryder of Rural Workshop and Local Works Studio who have been recognised with the “Best Sustainable Design Project” award at the Scottish Structural Awards. This accolade, awarded to The Secret Campsite project on behalf of the Secret Camping Club, celebrates their innovative all-timber approach, including reclaimed materials and timber foundations, in their latest project.
The Scottish Structural Awards, organised by the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), highlight outstanding achievements in structural engineering, with a focus on sustainability and innovation. Allt Environmental’s project stood out for its commitment to environmental responsibility and resource efficiency.
“The highly collaborative approach between builder, engineer and architect led to flexibility with material selection according to local and reclaimed availability and the sketch format used for construction drawinqs enabled a rapid response to changes and build preferences,” explained Toby Maclean, founder of Allt Environmental Structural Engineers and Construction | Independent advisor for Woodknowledge Wales.
The Secret Campsite in East Sussex
The new amenity and facilities building at The Secret Campsite in East Sussex showcases an extraordinary commitment to sustainability and environmental sensitivity. Designed as the ultimate “light-touch” structure, this project minimises its ecological impact from inception to execution.
Initially, the client had received planning approval for a standard concrete block amenity building for showers and washing facilities. However, they became dissatisfied with the environmental and aesthetic impact of the proposed design and its cost. Seeking a better solution, they approached the team to create something more aligned with their values and the site’s unique character.
The team collaborated with architects to develop a strategy cantered on using locally available materials, including some sourced directly from the site. By embracing the principles of a circular economy, the project prioritised material reuse not just at the end of the building’s life, as is often the case, but from the very beginning.
A timber frame structure was chosen, supported by reused telegraph pole posts that cantilever from the ground, eliminating the need for carbon-intensive foundations. Locally sourced larch and sweet chestnut were used for the superstructure, ensuring minimal environmental impact and a harmonious fit within the surrounding landscape.
The result is an airy, lightweight building that not only enhances the campsite’s amenities but also aligns with its sustainable ethos. This standout feature elevates the campsite’s appeal while being procured at a lower cost than the original standard design. This project exemplifies innovation, environmental responsibility, and a forward-thinking approach to sustainable construction.
Calculating embodied carbon in this unusual building
While the building is unheated and so avoided the embodied carbon associated with insulation, the approach adopted can still be seen to have led to a remarkably low-carbon and low-cost building with many principles applicable to “more usual” buildings. The dedication to re-use of materials and use of natural materials is the predominant driver behind this.
“We have undertaken an embodied carbon calculation in accordance with the generally accepted RICS methodology via the IStructE / Elliott Wood carbon calculator and verified this through in-house tools,” explained Toby. “Note that a nominal carbon intensity figure of 0.1 kg CO2e/kg was used for reclaimed metal roofing and reclaimed timber to cover the recovery and transport emissions.”
The results were calculated for the structural elements only and separately for the whole building (excluding fittings) and they show the building performs exceptionally well achieving an A++ score across the board.
This recognition from the Scottish Structural Awards underscores Allt Environmental’s dedication to advancing sustainable practices in structural engineering.
