On 27th April, the Roca London Gallery in collaboration with Architects’ Journal hosted the panel discussion ‘Back to the Future: Building with Regenerative Materials’.

Architects’ Journal sustainability editor Hattie Hartman was joined by three architects who are pioneering the use of natural materials:

Jonathan Tuckey, director at Jonathan Tuckey Design on a rammed earth house on site in Wiltshire;

Nikolay Shahpazov, associate at Bennetts Associates on earth blocks (made from excavated site soil) at the Tribeca site in King’s Cross;

Anna Lisa McSweeney architect at White Arkitekter on the Velindre Cancer Centre in Wales, starting on site this summer with extensive use of bio renewable materials.

The panel discussed the benefits and challenges of working with regenerative materials and exchanged views on how these approaches can be replicated at scale by going beyond ‘business as usual.’  This included measures such as using local knowledge networks, engaging early with the supply chain, considering seasonality and sequencing, exploring bespoke warranties and more.

Following the talk, guests enjoyed refreshments, networked and explored the gallery space.