Lanlivery School 2.0

Having developed the design for the original classroom at Lanlivery school as governor in 2003 which went on to win the RICS international award for sustainability and community in 2004, Martin was approached by the school in 2015 to develop a further classroom in the rear garden to occupy space previously wasted with decrepit sheds and storage. The concept was to maintain a low profile, confine the footprint to a narrow strip of land bordering the existing granite boundary wall, offer plentiful natural light, stable internal temperatures and environment and maintain an organic approach creating a healthy, vibrant building. The Ecofab system was utilised due to its advantage of speed and high performance within a low budget. The £107,000 76m2 classroom met every objective and provides flexibility for future development and a wide range of uses. Natural ventilation provided through four remote controlled rooflights which also contain awning systems to reduce glare and overheating in the summer months without compromising natural daylight. Children are provided with views of the garden and the Forest School as well as extended views across the open countryside. The building was constructed in the allotted 12 weeks (six of these during school holidays) and was under budget. An outstanding achievement and unparalleled quality

revitalise specialist dental clinic

Designed by Alan Hughes -ARCO2 Architrecture Ltd - lead designer Martin Penk
The brief involved the development of a single story new denture clinic to complement the existing business. Due to space restrictions much potential business was being turned away and therefore the concept was developed to offer wide-ranging dental services under one roof. The building needed to be attractive, innovative and efficient providing three treatment rooms, triage, laboratory, reception and offices. Though single-storey, the vaulted central space provides fantastic light and sense of peace offering patients a quiet, relaxing experience and unique facilities under one roof. The building is constructed using the unique Ecofab system and supports a bio diverse roof, local grown timber cladding, oak floors throughout and heat pump technology for heating and cooling. The design developed alongside Alan Hughes at Arco2 maximises natural daylight and passive heating during winter months. 

new dwelling, mawgan porth

Design by Martin with his previous practice Arco2 Architecture Ltd, this building responded to a challenging brief providing 640 m² of accommodation across two stories and three separate buildings. The design seeks to keep a low profile with a bio diverse roofscape reducing impact for neighbouring properties above. The building generally comprises of contemporary, elegant design combined with the use of local, natural materials such as stone, slate, copper, local timber and soil. In particular, materials were selected to provide resistance against the harsh environment of the primary dune landscape of the North Coast. The roof continues to respond to its challenging environment and is gradually stabilising with local, resilient plants colonising. The interior is generally open plan and relaxed with polished concrete floors throughout and Douglas Fir flooring at first floor. Ecofab were selected to provide the first floor superstructure using their unique panelled Ecofab system and combined with 150 mm fulfil Xtratherm cavity insulation at ground floor, the general building envelope provides super insulation and relatively high efficiency for a building of this size. Since completion, the building has one range of awards including the South West Regional RIBA award, the Times Award and the Home Building and Renovation Award for interior design. The building represents a clear departure for house design in the area and may well set the precedent for things to come.

the knut

On successful completion of the Brambles Nursery and Children’s Centre in St Just, Ecofab was approached and commissioned to design and build a new building (opened May 2014), a backstage facility for events & theatre. It is situated in the centre of the small town of St. Just in the far west of Cornwall, UK, next to an ancient Plen-an-Gwari, one of only two surviving medieval amphitheatres. This will enable the Plen-an-Gwari to be revived and developed for the 21st century.  The building will also house an archive.  See http://theknutstjust.com/about/
Design collaboration between Martin and Ian at Arco2 provides internal open space for gatherings, events, and archive and significantly mezzanine storage across the entire footprint of the building. High-level access onto the Plen via a first floor door provides quick means of getting equipment in and out during performances.
The building is super insulated with sheep’s wool minimising heat loss and is orientated South with virtually all glazing facing South to maximise passive heating in winter months with overhangs providing shading for summer months. The South facing slate roof also supports 4 kW of photovoltaics providing an income stream for the centre.
Construction was largely undertaken by Credo Carpentry and project managed by Ecofab Ltd. 

new dwelling, gorran haven

Designed by Martin at Arco2 as a peaceful retirement retreat, Ecofab were commissioned to undertake all building works and project management. The design maximises passive solar gains from the South which is to the rear of the building. This aspect enjoys the full beauty of the woodland garden and small stream which intersects the property. The triple Glazing is confined largely to this aspect. Internally, the spaces open plan and split-level with the lounge cantilevering over the stream. The building is super insulated with sheep’s wool within a spaced frame partly constructed using Ecofab panels and partly stick built. 4 kilowatts of photovoltaics, an air source heat pump and solar thermal panels complement the efficient building design fabric producing a highly efficient building overall with very low running costs.