The Ecohouse is the creation of Shape East, the Architecture and Built Environment Centre for Cambridge and the Eastern Region.
It comprises a display in the form of a miniature modular-built house 4.5m by 3m high and 2m wide. It includes interactive features to help people “explore issues relating to making the home more sustainable”, with advice on saving energy and “making improvements to help the environment”.
The display covers upgrading existing housing to improve environmental performance as well as eco-friendly new build.
Each room provides a number of tips on use of recycled material, efficient heating and cooking and rainwater collection. The Ecohouse also addresses materials sourcing, recommending the use of reclaimed timber or certified wood from “well-managed forests”, although the only certification scheme it lists is that of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
The display is currently on show at the Grafton Centre in Cambridge,but is designed to go on the road and is available for hire for conferences , exhibitions and community events. Shape East is also asking companies to sponsor the use of the Ecohouse by schools in the eastern counties “to help raise awareness of climate change”.
“We are also encouraging professionals in the architectural and construction industry to support this important sustainability initiative and hire the Ecohouse to spread the message that cultural change is urgently needed in the whole building process,” said project co-ordinator Emma Bennett.
For further information contact admin@shape-east.org.uk or call 01223 462 606.
