Expert insight

NIMI ATTANAYAKE, DIRECTOR OF NIMTIM ARCHITECTS, SHARES HER TOP TIPS ON INNOVATIVE AND SUSTAINABLE MATERIAL OPTIONS, PLUS PRACTICAL ADVICE ON HOW THEY CAN BE INCORPORATED INTO YOUR EXTENSION

When it comes to picking out materials, collaborate with your designer, contractor and other project consultants. We always encourage our clients to make bold choices with a sense of adventure. The input of an architect can be particularly useful at the initial stages of the project, so the overall design concept and aesthetics, along with construction build-ups, can be considered alongside planning and practical constraints.

Sustainability, plus the goal of choosing materials better for

our physical and mental wellbeing, are two of the main factors driving the use of more innovative construction materials. We believe that the most sustainable type of project is one that can endure for many years without the need for redevelopment or demolition.

More of our clients are becoming aware of low-carbon

materials, such as hempcrete. This is an innovative, ‘better-than-zero-carbon’ material and reduces the heat losses of the building. Though it’s less conventional now, it seems like the construction industry is headed in the direction of using materials like this. We’re also keen to use more recyclable materials, such as polycarbonate, to reduce wastage from the construction industry.

If you plan on incorporating innovative, new products in your

extension, make sure the solutions you choose satisfy practical and regulatory requirements. You’ll need to meet current Building Regulations, including the rules for U-values, fire resistance and the spread of flames. Therefore, it’s important to have a skilled team who can steer you through these challenges, including a good Building Control Officer. It’s also wise to contact your building insurer or mortgage company to ensure there aren’t any issues that could affect your agreement.

On extension projects with a limited budget and a primary

goal of creating more living space, our focus is where we can achieve the most impact for the least cost/intervention. For example, cork and hempcrete are great because of their insulating properties – but also the fact that they can be composted down. They are both natural materials that complement existing brickwork, can be used internally and externally, and provide an unbroken, textured finish.