Euro visitors see innovative Crossgar eco-house

28 November 2012

A GROUP of European visitors came to Crossgar recently to view an innovative building which could influence the future of house design.

The Hemp Cottage was designed by Rachel Bevan Architects, from Crossgar, and constructed on the outskirts of the village. It is a demonstration of innovative low energy and low impact house building using natural materials such local timber, hemp, lime and sheeps wool.

The Europeans, from Ireland, Scotland, Sweden, Denmark and Greenland, were part of a research meeting being held at the Slieve Donard Hotel. They are taking part in the Natural Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Project (NEES) which aims to identify and promote products and services which improve energy efficiency in domestic buildings.

The project is funded under the European Northern Periphery Programme and is focused on energy efficiency rather than the development of renewable energy supplies.

The University of Ulster Business School is co-ordinating the Northern Ireland contribution, together with Tom Woolley of Rachel Bevan Architects.

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