Densifying Suburbia - Inhabited Walls - House of Clay
'Inhabited Walls' is a theoretical design idea for introducing new dwellings into existing residential areas without compromising the privacy of existing homes. These dwellings would also be houses of clay: breathable buildings, naturally ventilated and cooled as a passive and resilient response to the changing climate.
This exhibit looks at underused space amongst semi-detached, 20th-Century suburban buildings with garages between. Through the creation of two parallel ‘Inhabited Walls’, long rear gardens can be combined and ‘upcycled’ as plots for one and a half storey courtyard dwellings, accessed via new private alleys replacing long drives and underused garages between existing houses.
We explore design ideas including: using north-facing rooflights and south-facing glass-integrated solar panels to bring light into upper and lower floor levels; creating private views and garden spaces through two enclosed courtyards that help filter cool air up through the hall and stairs; and creating spacious accommodation at the heart of the dwelling.
The enclosing walls would be made from Porotherm monolithic clay blocks, the upper rooms lined in clay blocks between timber beams and cork insulation, and the ground floor a Sublime insulated floor.
Monolithic Clay - Experiments and Projects
As a practice, we are exploring the use of fewer materials in our projects, mindful of using materials responsibly and considering environmental impact as a holistic approach.
Porotherm monolithic clay blocks provide a simple wall solution compared to traditional cavity walls and complex timber frame solutions, often with masonry cladding and secondary steel support systems. Not only do they simplify construction, but they also provide long-term environmental performance with: low embodied carbon and recyclability, speed of construction, thermal mass and efficiency, water and mortar saving, improved air quality, and reduced site waste.
To better understand monolithic Porotherm blocks before specifying them, we conducted experiments to test their strength, and then used them to build a garden workshop for ourselves. In 2021, we then used them in a project for new front and rear extensions for a mid 1960’s detached suburban house.