Member Article

Durham?s Rivergreen Centre receives international recognition

The Rivergreen Centre in Durham is the only building in the UK to have been highlighted in a new book about the world’s most innovative construction methods.

‘Building with Earth’ by Gernot Minke has identified some of the most technologically sustainable architecture across the globe including high specification homes in Palo Alto, California. More typically found in warmer climates, these methods are now being used in places like North America, China, Japan and Australia.

Tucked away in Aykley Heads, the Rivergreen Centre was designed and built to bring the natural surroundings and working environment together. Now, it has received specific recognition in the new book for the use of earth in its construction.

The central spine of the Rivergreen Centre is a ‘rammed earth wall’ and at six metres high, the wall in the centre of the building is the largest in the UK. It is essentially layers of compacted earth excavated from the site during construction.

Peter Candler, Managing Director of the Rivergreen Centre, explains: “The purpose of the rammed earth wall is to moderate the temperature and humidity of the building. It acts as a heat store which reduces the temperature fluctuations and absorbs and releases water vapour to balance the humidity.”

The book offers its audience a practical overview of the uses of earth in construction. Although already popular in architectural design, it has gained a reputation as a healthy, environment-friendly and economical building material and many exemplary international projects illustrate the wide spectrum of design possibilities.

Mr Candler continued: “The re-use of site materials was one of the primary reasons behind including the rammed earth wall in the Rivergreen Centre and we are incredibly proud the design here in Durham has been recognised alongside other buildings across the world trying to reduce the impact on the environment.”

The book, by author Gernot Minke, is available to buy at local book stores and online from Amazon.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Admiral PR .