Leading the Way in Carbon Reduction
At ARCO₂, sustainability has always been at the heart of everything we do. This commitment was recently recognised on a national and international stage when our practice won the top accolade in the Carbon Reduction Impact category at the CABE Built Environment Awards for our latest project, Turnstones in Cornwall.
https://www.arco2.co.uk/sustainable-architecture-projects/architects-polzeath-cornwall-turnstones/
A David and Goliath Moment
When we discovered we had been shortlisted alongside some of the biggest names in global engineering and sustainable construction – including a major Hong Kong University project and one of the world’s leading recycled material specialists – we genuinely thought we stood little chance. Yet, against all odds, our small Cornish practice triumphed. It was a proud David and Goliath moment that validated not only the Turnstones project, but also our 21-year journey of pioneering sustainable design.
https://builtenvironmentseries.com/2024-winners/
Designing for Place, Performance and Planet
Turnstones embodies our ethos: every project must be bespoke to its site and deeply sustainable by design. Situated in a harsh coastal environment, the home demanded careful material selection and robust detailing. From the outset, we considered not only aesthetics and performance but also the carbon impact of every decision – from the dismantling and recycling of the original structure through to the specification of new materials and fittings.
Working alongside ADD Sustainable Construction, we were able to integrate a rigorous programme of reuse, recycling, and data tracking, ensuring the build was both resource-efficient and low carbon.
Exceeding Passivhaus Standards
The performance of Turnstones is where the project truly shines. By adopting a fabric-first approach, we exceeded Passivhaus u-values, achieving levels of energy efficiency that go beyond current best practice. Key innovations included:
* Super-wide cavity construction filled with 300mm of insulation.
* Basalt wall ties to minimise thermal bridging.
* Exceptional airtightness and triple-glazed windows delivering year-round comfort.
These measures combined to create a home that is both visually striking and remarkably efficient, setting a new benchmark for sustainable rural living.
Collaboration at its Core
We believe the best projects come from strong partnerships – and Turnstones was no exception. Our clients placed enormous trust in us, giving us full design freedom to push the boundaries of sustainability while creating a beautiful, bespoke home. Their openness and commitment were instrumental in making Turnstones a success.
A Reflection of ARCO₂’s Mission
This award is more than a trophy; it is a testament to our mission. For over two decades, ARCO₂ has been proving that small, agile practices can lead the way in innovation. While large firms often dominate the headlines, we believe smaller studios are where bold experimentation and true change happens. With limited resources, every decision must count – which is why sustainability is not a bolt-on for us, but the foundation of our practice.
Looking Ahead
Winning the CABE award strengthens our resolve to keep raising the bar. Few firms in the UK can claim to have achieved what we have in terms of carbon reduction, and we are determined to continue evolving, exploring new technologies, and collaborating with clients who share our vision for a sustainable future.
Our Advice to Others
For practices and individuals aiming to follow a similar path, our advice is simple: make sustainability your core value. Let it guide every decision, big or small. Architecture has the power to shape not only buildings but also the way people live – and in today’s climate, it must also help safeguard the planet. At ARCO₂, we’ll keep innovating, keep challenging conventions, and keep proving that truly sustainable design is possible – no matter the size of the firm.
Turnstones – Green Apple Environment Awards for Beautiful Buildings – 2024 Silver Winner https://www.thegreenorganisation.info/about-the-green-organisation/
