Architecture from Below

The hut acts as a prototype for the structural application of reclaimed timber. Taking a ‘material first’ approach, this is an exemplary project for what we call ‘anticipatory design’ - an approach to architectural design where the materials available predicate the design of construction systems. In this instance, ReCollective’s stock of timber, predominantly from the film industry in Park Royal, is the material which will be designed into prefabricated ‘timber cassettes’ for the hut. The hut is being prefabricated in ReCollective’s warehouse in Park Royal, and during the LDF will be delivered and assembled in situ at North Acton Square. The hut will be finished with natural building techniques including lime render and clay plaster, working with Rescued Clay, also based in Park Royal, to process waste clay from an HS2 site adjacent to the square, into usable clay for construction purposes. Throughout the festival, it will be possible to observe the construction processes up close, ask questions, and take part in workshops showcasing the processes and techniques developed (no prior experience is required). The programme and sign up will be available on https://www.parkroyaldesigndistrict.com ReCollective are a network who reduce waste and empower communities. We are creating a system to divert “waste” construction material, designing and embedding the material into new community infrastructure. Our work is a critique through action, advocating for behavioural and system change, critiquing the existing system by proving viable alternatives, creating a new system that can reuse material at scale. Social Designs CIC is a community of practice based in Cornwall aggregating local talent, tools and contextually relevant templates for the future to make positive contributions to our time and place. We primarily work in and around the built environment on initiatives often extending into land-use models and agriculture - pursuing research agendas through live projects spread across an architectural design studio, construction team (trading as Social Constructs), education and engagement programmes.