Eco Architects: Trail blazing pioneers event

Daren Howarth and Adi Nortje are architectural pioneers based in Brittany, France. Their Brittany Groundhouse, which they themselves designed and built, was recently featured in the Channel 4 television series Grand Designs. This innovative and inspirational build features eco building techniques first pioneered by the American eco architect, Michael Reynolds, who is the ‘warrior’ featured in the documentary film, Garbage Warrior, which is screened in this double bill programme. Working with Reynolds, Daren also initiated the first full scale earthship build in Europe, the Brighton Earthship.

Like the ‘Earthships’ which Michael Reynolds pioneered, the central fabric of the Brittany Groundhouse structure is recycled car tyres ram packed with earth. This technique produces dense, heat-retaining structures which are kind to the planet and highly energy efficient. The build also features rainwater collection tanks buried in the earth which is built up around the back of the house providing a kind of thermal wrap - keeping it warm in winter and cool in the summer. And with solar collection on the front face, grey water recycling and as many reclaimed materials as possible, this low tech building has but a small environmental footprint.

The presentation by Daren Howarth is followed by screening of the film Garbage Warrior. What do beer cans, car tyres and bottles have in common you may ask? Not much unless you’re the unconventional architect Michael Reynolds, in which case they are tools of choice for producing thermal mass and energy-independent housing. This film follows the New Mexico-based Reynolds, and his fellow green enthusiasts, who have devoted their time to advancing the art of ‘Earthship Biotecture’ by building self-sufficient, off-the-grid communities.