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Selected to go forward in Urban Splash's Tutti Frutti Street in New Islington, Manchester, Refab will be one of a terrace of architect-designed houses fronting the canal.

 

With this project, Chance de Silva are investigating sustainability by exploring reuse and recycling. A huge amount of waste from construction sites goes into a skip. This house therefore attempts to use waste small pieces of timber, which are lightweight and originally from a renewable source. And for cladding, tin cans.

 

We ware exploring low-tech green technologies, those that don't require industrialised processes to manufacture (unlike, say, photovoltaics). Refab aims to be a low-tech house, we appreciate that the ultimate owner is likely to want comfort, some luxuries, as well as distinct atmosphere and style.

 

The project will also cast light on the implications of the current predominance of landfill, of industrialised building processes, and of regulations. It will highlight whether a salvage project can be made to work in the market, and in the fields of function and aesthetics.