Squash
New build
Community
Summary
Squash is a charitable enterprise run by a diverse group of local people. When they sought a new home, a group of 30 residents collaborated with a local sustainable architect to design a welcoming new community facility.
The Squash building houses a kitchen, shop, cafe and community space for training and events, and exemplifies what can be achieved by a focused, dedicated group of residents and volunteers: the building was entirely funded by grants raised from funding organisations and trusts, and by community fundraising. It won the prestigious ASBP’s People Choice Award, voted for by the public.
The Squash building is timber-framed and timber-clad, using recycled steel in part of its construction. It uses recycled cellulose insulation in the walls and roof, timber-framed triple-glazing and recycled aggregates in its foundation. The overall result is one of minimal embodied carbon and environmental impacts. Energy use for heating is also partly offset by onsite renewable energy generation via solar panels.
Key Features
- Conceived and designed in collaboration with 30 local residents
- Timber-frame and timber-clad, with natural insulation, and recycled glass aggregate foundations
- Triple glazing ensures high-performance and summer comfort
- Interior fit-out uses recycled and reused materials
Sustainability Indicators
- Embodied carbon, Natural materials, Ownership models, Resource efficiency, Social value
