The headquarters for the National Federation of City Farms in Bristol demonstrates Architype’s expertise in timber construction, and addresses issues of energy, resources, and health.

The ‘Greenhouse’, as the building is known, is 225 square metres and comprises office space and flexible meeting rooms, ancillary facilities and an extensive external veranda.

The use of sustainable technologies is considerable, and includes:

• Breathing wall construction throughout

• Cellulose fibre insulation made from recycled newsprint

• Non-toxic internal and external finishes

• A single domestic gas condensing boiler

The building is constructed entirely from UK grown Douglas Fir, with an embodied energy of less than 15% of imported timber. The structure is formed by ‘tree trunk’ columns supporting a dramatic roof covered with a meadow of grass and wild flowers.