ECO LIVING DESIGN
Looking at architectural design and innovation towards eco-friendly habitats, I focus on the quirkily named ZED Factory, cool in every respect, they offer some innovative and sustainable architecture, in many forms, including housing projects as well as commercial endeavours. They offer Urban Design, Eco Refurbishment and Ethical Development amongst other related services. The drive behind the business, Bill Dunster Architects, saw that ZedFactoryLtd was established in 1998. Eleven years on, I first saw their Garden Ark on display at the Grand Designs Live 2009 Exhibition held at the London Excel Centre. I thought I would share the information and research that I have found on this company, as I believe their concept to be worthy and recommended, one that is focused on looking at a better future, a better business etiquette and ethics, and with an aim to reduce the carbon footprint. They are involved in some social housing projects, which I would like to see the Governements tapping into for future eco-friendly housing design and maybe even push for sustainable eco-friendly design to be compulsory for all new builds.
There is the Garden Ark, which is a neat little human ‘pen’ as it were for the end of a large garden, as an extra addition to inside space on the outside space if you have enough it. It is made from trees, soil and grass, and maybe some sheeps wool in the mix as insulation. They are made with 100% sustainable materals, and wood approved and conserved by the FSC - Forest Stewerdship Council.
A neat little enclosure, that offers office space, a seating area as well as a toilet. You can stowe away all your secrets and treasures within this wonderful little compartment of escapism from the surroundings. Like a sweet little Hobbits house, I am quite certain that one could almost dwell within one quite happily as a Hobbit. I am sure it would bring much fun for children as a den at the end of a garden and a fantastic space to work in. You needn’t leave as it comes with its own lavatory, there’s no excuse or reason for this design not to satisfy your every need of having practical extra space or for use as a workplace.
Image / Conceptual Visualisation Provided By: http://www.chrisbeck.creators.co.uk
Coming complete with solar power panels and wind turbines, they really are an eco-friendly little box of fun. I wish I could have one, as I am sure many do and will. Moving onto another of their designs;
The LandArk
The timber frame takes only 4 days with a team of 5 for this structure to be put together, the LandArk offers quick engineering and construction. For the frame, no metal fixings are required, as it is designed with jointing techniques, wedges and a machined frame to create a robust locked chain frame. The design is one that is thought out and is simple but technical. The nice thing about this one, is you really can inhabit it like it’s home, it really is the hobits house! Comes complete with its own bed, a balcony / terrace and shower. Offering 21st Century design, but offering one of the oldest of materials used for structures; wood. It is a great material and can be easily sourced and is renewable and sustainable when monitored and governed. The great thing abouth ZedFactory’s design, is the use of wood. It manages to camoflage its way into most landscapes without being aesthetically offensive, even when clad with a grey solar panel, they look like they are meant to be, like they mould into natural surroundings almost naked, the beauty of using wood, its simple, its natural, its not ugly.
Why not visit the ZedFactory Website: http://www.zedfactory.com/
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