Good Design Doesn’t Have to Cost the Earth

In architecture school we are taught the basics of design and to make smart decisions from the start: working within climatic conditions, using local resources, and focusing on design that balances environmental responsibility with cost-efficiency.

Increasingly, we find ourselves surrounded by cutting-edge technologies that promise to solve every problem, but often the best solutions lie in returning to the basics: simple, smart, and efficient design.

What if we did just that and went back to basics?

A great example of this approach is the Centre for Advanced Timber Technology (CATT) project, for the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) in Hereford. This project showed us that you can design an innovative, sustainable building while staying within budget—and you don’t need to sacrifice quality, comfort, or longevity.

One of the key challenges of the CATT project was working with an initial brief that called for two separate buildings on the site—each multiple storeys. Our goal was to reduce both the energy and carbon demands while meeting the client’s needs. By rethinking the brief, we were able to combine the two buildings into one single-storey structure, cutting down on overall space and reducing energy demands significantly.

We worked closely with the client to refine the design, ensuring it not only fit the budget but also made the best use of the site and its surroundings. This collaboration allowed us to minimise the build area, and in turn, reduce material use and energy consumption.

The orientation of the building was critical to reduce energy loads. We positioned the most frequently used spaces—such as the studios—so they faced away from the south to avoid overheating. To control glare, we added vertical solar shading and incorporated northlights along the length of the spaces to maximize natural light.

For the workshop areas, which faced south, we introduced smaller openings to allow light without excessive heat gain. These carefully considered design strategies meant the building could stay naturally cool in the summer and warm in the winter, drastically reducing operational energy demands.

The building’s form also played a big part in energy efficiency. By keeping the design rectangular and reducing the form factor, we minimized heat loss. The functional sawtooth roof design, while serving its purpose for daylighting, also blended seamlessly into the surrounding context, further contributing to the building’s low-impact design.

At the core of the design was a desire to showcase timber, but due to budget constraints, we couldn’t afford to use timber for the entire structure. Rather than see this as a limitation, we saw an opportunity to rethink how materials could be used more efficiently.

The result was a hybrid structure: the studio spaces are timber frame (including cross-laminated timber and glulam beams), while the workshop areas are a steel frame. This approach allowed us to create a functional, cost-effective solution without compromising on the aesthetic or sustainability goals.

The timber elements were bolt-connected, offering flexibility for future disassembly and reuse. This approach aligns with our commitment to the circular economy, ensuring that the building can evolve and adapt over time without generating waste.

For the cladding, we wanted to showcase timber while also ensuring durability and longevity. We chose Larch for its inherent durability meaning it didn’t require any additional treatment or finishing.

The choice to go for European over Siberian Larch also allowed us to reduce carbon emissions through transport, making it a more sustainable choice.

The cladding’s simple detailing also ensured ease of maintenance, further extending the building’s lifespan and reducing the need for future repairs or replacements.

Internally, the design of the building was simple and flexible, allowing spaces to serve a variety of purposes. The studio spaces, for example, can easily be divided into smaller rooms, offering the client the versatility to use them in different configurations depending on their needs. The breakout spaces were also generously sized to encourage both internal use and community engagement.

By exposing the building’s structure and services, we not only celebrated the materials but also created teaching moments. The raw aesthetic reflects the function of the space, reducing the need for additional finishes and materials. This also helped us keep costs down, while the simplicity of the design ensured a low-maintenance, long-lasting solution.

The CATT project perfectly encapsulates our philosophy that good design doesn’t need to be expensive or extravagant to be effective. Through careful thought and collaboration with the client, we were able to create a building that’s not only cost-efficient but also showcases sustainable design practices in a way that is practical and long-lasting.

The project serves as a model for how we can create high-quality, sustainable buildings that have a lasting positive impact, without compromising on budget or functionality.

At Bond Bryan, we’re always looking for ways to improve our design methodology and to demonstrate how we can build responsibly for the future. CATT allowed us to put our theories into practice, and the result is a building that’s not only an asset for the client but also a valuable resource for the local community.

Good design doesn’t need to cost the earth—it just takes the right combination of creativity, collaboration, and sustainability. By focusing on the local climate, material efficiency, smart use of technology, and a clear vision of how spaces can evolve over time, we can create buildings that work harder, cost less, and leave a lasting positive legacy for the people who use them and the planet we share.