Bristol media centre scheme believed to be Europe's first to use innovative straw bale cladding system which is carbon positive
The finishing touches are being applied to Archimedia, the 820m² Knowle West Media Centre in Bristol. Designed by local architect White Design, the building is thought to be the largest in Europe to be built using a load bearing straw bale cladding system.
This construction method provides a series of environmental benefits including extremely high insulative values; carbon positive production – the straw and timber used actually bank carbon rather than generating it; and local manufacture.
In fact, members of the community were invited to be involved in fabricating the straw panels at a ‘flying’ ModCell factory, set up near the construction site and local companies sponsored them, too.
When complete the centre will be open to the local community, providing opportunities for disadvantaged young people to get involved in media arts.
