FARO

The project is an interdependent system where the house, energy, material, interiors, and gardens support everyday life. Instead of functioning as a sealed object, the home operates as a small, self-sustaining ecosystem shaped around daily use and long-term durability. The Ecological Footprint (EF) of a given population is defined as the ecologically productive land or sea area required to produce, sustainably, all the resources and the ecological services the population consumes and to absorb, in a sustainable way, wastes and greenhouse gases the population produces, with the prevailing technology and resource management. In response, the house adopts a lifecycle-centric approach, reducing its demand on external resources while minimizing waste and emissions over time. Thermal mass, passive ventilation, and controlled openness are used to support the home’s energy needs naturally, lowering the CO₂ footprint. Breathable materials are used across the interiors, minimising synthetic finishes and creating safer environments. The design process began with dismantling the existing chalk-o-bloc structure and carefully reclaiming doors, windows, and architectural elements. These pre-owned openings were resized to fit the new proportions, extending their life while reducing material waste and embodied energy. This resulted in openings that carry a sense of nostalgia while fitting into a contemporary architectural language. A concrete structural frame provides stability and flexibility, with interlocking earth blocks used as infill to improve thermal mass and durability. Interior finishes were kept raw and breathable, limiting synthetic materials, ensuring healthier indoor air quality and easier long-term maintenance. Spatial planning developed alongside environmental strategies from the start. Renewable energy systems, visible composting, and layered gardens were integrated to support climate comfort, privacy, food production, and reduce impact on the water cycle. Overall, the process focused on safety, longevity, low waste, and honest materials that support safe urban living.