A starter home built using non-recyclable coffee cups has been put forward for a national building award…
A starter home made from non-recyclable coffee cups has been recognised for its innovation after being shortlisted for a national building award.
The home, which was created by Clear Architects, used old coffee cups in the construction process and to insulate the property.
Clear Architects, based in Essex, specialise in high-end architectural projects on budgets in excess of £350,000. The firm’s design was recognised for its innovative approach to using unwanted materials.
Cheap, affordable, sustainable
The home can be constructed for as little as £41,000, showing how cheaply starter homes can be built. With the government looking to construct up to 200,000 new starter homes across the UK within the next four years the coffee cup house could offer a real solution.
The “Self-Build on a Shoestring” competition is being held by the National Custom & Self Build Association (NaCSBA). Judges include industry celebrities Kevin McCloud, Charlie Luxton, George Clarke and Wayne Hemingway, as well as the former leader of the Local Government Association Lord Gary Porter. Winners will be announced at the Grand Designs Live exhibition at Birmingham NEC on 20 October.
To enter the contest, entrants had to design a home measuring no less than 65 sq m. The plans had to include a living and dining area, kitchen, bathroom, study area and one or two bedrooms. Italso had to come in under £50,000.
The Clear Architects coffee cup house also includes other sustainable measures, such as a green roof covering, solar heated water system, and flame retardant walls and flooring.
Melanie Clear, director of RIBA-Chartered Clear Architects said: “Although as a practice we are typically involved in innovative, luxury developments, we wanted to demonstrate that bijou can also be stylish and that small budgets do not deter inventive design.
“We are delighted to have been shortlisted for this award, which recognises our team’s talent, skill, creativity and resourcefulness”.
