SUSTAINABILITY
Dig for victory MEET A LOCAL ARCHITECT LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS FOR A GREENER LIFESTYLE WITH INNOVATIVE TOWN PLANNING Mole Architects has been changing the landscape of sustainable architecture in Cambridge for 25 years. Founded in 1997 by Meredith Bowles, who grew up in Saffron Walden, the firm first attracted attention with the design of Meredith’s own house – The Black House in the Cambridgeshire Fens – which won a RIBA award in 2004. We spoke to Meredith to find out more about some of the practice’s pioneering housing developments in Cambridge…
EDDINGTON NORTH WEST CAMBRIDGE AT A GLANCE: Mole Architects designed and delivered a health centre, estates offices and postgraduate apartments for the Eddington development. Conceived of by the University of Cambridge, this site provides homes and facilities for staff, postgrad students and the general public. KEY FEATURES: The whole district was densely planned, to make it more walkable and encourage people to use public transport. Buildings were designed with exceptional insulation and air tightness, to ensure high energy efficiency. They also incorporate measures to prevent overheating – a factor that will become increasingly important as temperatures continue to rise due to climate change. WHAT THE ARCHITECT SAYS: “It was amazingly ambitious as a project,” says Meredith. “It’s one of the only district heating systems for a domestic, residential setting – something that’s common for universities and hospitals, but not for housing districts.” It promotes sharing resources and space
MARMALADE LANE AT A GLANCE:
The first developer-led co-housing scheme in Cambridge, Marmalade Lane is a pioneering force for community-based housing in the UK. Home to a mix of residents from different generations, including families with young children, retired couples and single-person households, the development promotes the sharing of resources and communal spaces, to reduce waste and promote a sense of community spirit. KEY FEATURES: The dwellings are made from prefabricated timber frames manufactured in Sweden and are well-insulated, using passive design principles, ensuring exceptional thermal efficiency and air tightness. Triple-glazed windows, mechanical ventilation and heat- recovery systems ensure a comfortable internal environment, while air-source heat pumps provide low-carbon electricity. Residents share communal spaces such as the gardens, laundry rooms and the common house – a place to socialise, host guests and eat together. WHAT THE ARCHITECT SAYS: “Globally, everyone is going to have to start sharing resources and get used to living with less,” says Meredith. “As a consequence of living with people who share the same aims, the residents have decided to buy a communal car, cargo bikes and some electric bikes – which is pretty massive, actually!”
The design of the building is not the only way Cambridge Central Mosque achieves its eco-friendly status. Sustainability is a principal tenet of Islamic faith – and has been for thousands of years. “At the time of Islam’s foundation, the definition of sustainability was very different from what it is today,” says Bellal Abbas, tour guide at Cambridge Central Mosque. “In 2022, we think of saving water, using fewer fossil fuels and driving electric vehicles. All of this is important, but back then sustainability was more about giving back to the Earth and minimising waste. “Significant landmark buildings can be great beacons of sustainability, but they start and finish there,” he continues. “By talking to our constituents and worshippers about saving water, encouraging them to cycle to the mosque instead of driving, we’re providing a constant reminder. Of course, we want to let people know that the mosque was designed to be as environmentally friendly as possible, but ultimately we’re aiming to plant the seed in the people that visit us to think about what they’re doing in their everyday lives – that’s Mosque are available to book on weekend mornings at either 10am or 11.30am, and the community cafe is open throughout the week. For more information, visit cambridgecentralmosque.org where the impact is going to be.” Guided tours of Cambridge Central
THE FUTURE OF HOUSING Cambridge-based projects are sparking new conversations about how we live
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK NOVEMBER 2022 83
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