Grain Architecture Ltd is a small design practice specialising in the use of natural materials. We offer architectural design services for a variety of residential, community and public projects including renovations, extensions, garden projects, new builds, offices, studios, classrooms, community housing developments and master planning.
Specialising in design using natural, local materials, such as timber, earth, straw, stone, hemp, clay, lime, sheep wool, cellulose and more, we aim to create healthy, low-impact spaces, with zero- or negative-carbon footprint. We do this by combining energy efficient design with locking up CO2 within organic breathable materials.
CLIMATE CRISIS:
Grain are committed to creating a sustainable built environment, designing to Zero Carbon standards now. We understand the significant impact of the construction industry, and have always worked to be at the forefront of change. This urgent issue is at the heart of all our work, and we actively engage with the industry to promote positive change.
COVID-19 CRISIS:
Grain are continuing to work through the current lockdown situation, using home offices and remote meetings via online platforms, and keeping safe distances when site visits are necessary. We therefore hope that your project will not be affected. However, we ask that everyone be patient and kind during this time of difficulty, as health is a top priority.
ABOUT
Grain Architecture, founded in 2015 by Janna Laan Lomas, is a small architectural design practice with a focus on sustainable building using natural materials. The Grain team work collaboratively with other freelance designers, specialists and builders within the natural building industry.
VISION
Grain Architecture aims to produce creative, inspiring, high-quality spaces that are healthy, beautiful, functional, durable and efficient, with a positive regenerative impact on the environment.
PHILOSOPHY
Grain Architecture is a very environmentally conscious practice and all of our projects have a strong ethical aim to reduce local and global impact, lower CO2 emissions and minimise energy consumption wherever possible.
By using a 'low-tech' approach to building, we put materials and design first. The materials we use in construction must have a low embodied energy (i.e. use very little energy to make/process, such as natural materials) and must be as local as possible. The design must cleverly use the materials and site to optimise building performance and efficiency, whilst never compromising on comfort or aesthetic.
Transport is responsible for vast quantities of CO2 being released into the atmosphere contributing to climate change, and currently relies on non-renewable fossil fuels. It is one of our key principles to help re-localise communities by strengthening local economies, supporting local food and fuel production, and to encourage sustainable lifestyles through architecture for a post-peak-oil future.