Achieved on a tight budget, Arman and Arash Besharat’s energy efficient traditional home was designed by RIBA Part II Architect Nima TaghiZoghi using echo-friendly materials. This self build house is a great example of when great design and well thought-out specification meet to create a unique property.
The use of traditional materials such as Cob and form means that this new build looks like it has stood for decades. This farm house self-build incorporates reused and reclaimed materials such as stained glass windows throughout to create instant character in the new home.
Project's Purpose
Human's one of the most fundamental needs, Shelter.
Objectives
- Cost efficiency
- Eco friendliness
- Use of local labors
- Use of local and traditional materials
- Energy efficiency
- Self built
- Quick built
Approach
This house was designed to be a part of the nature of our land. So we decided to use soil (Cob) as the basic material, structured by wood . We achieved it all by use of Cob, cobb or clom (in Wales) that is is a natural building material made from subsoil, water, fibrous organic material (typically straw), and sometimes lime. The contents of subsoil naturally vary, and if it does not contain the right mixture it can be modified with sand or clay. Cob is fireproof, resistant to seismic activity, and uses low-cost materials, although it is very labour intensive. It can be used to create artistic and sculptural forms, and its use has been revived in recent years by the natural building and sustainability movements.
