Elm Farm Research Centre, Newbury
Elm Farm Research Centre is a pioneering organic Farm. Ecotecture was approached in 2000 with a view to converting the existing Grade II listed barn and outbuildings into an office/conference centre in an environmentally sustainable manner. A DEFRA application is currently being assessed for part funding.
Special care and attention is paid to the ecology of the site as several species of bats currently occupy the buildings, which are the subject of an extensive survey. The proposals to the works to the site will enable the Bats to retain their home in situ.
The development will be ‘carbon neutral’ and the scheme features several alternative means of reducing our impact on the Earth. These include a self feeding wood chip boiler, solar hot water panels, using recycled and reclaimed building products, and exceedingly high levels of insulation in natural fabrics containing hemp or recycled newspaper. The build process will include very careful consideration of minimising waste in construction and transport sharing.
