We know the importance of sharing models and case studies of regenerative design in practice to provide inspiration for others interested in this way of working. With this in mind, we’ll be sharing a series of case studies on our blog highlighting regenerative features of projects in Europe.
Cal Guerxo is a fully Living Certified private residence in Bresca, Spain. The renovation of this medieval structure, located three hours from Barcelona, showcases exemplary regenerative practices. The home is net positive for carbon, water, and energy, and it implements permaculture based agricultural practices, fostering a rich habitat for humans, fauna, and flora alike.
Materials Vetting
The project team for Cal Guerxo implemented a thoughtful and intentional strategy for the material selection process, seeking to support a material economy free of toxins and harmful ingredients, reduce the embodied carbon with low-carbon materials, local sourcing, and material re-use. The team assessed impacts, divided into Individual, Social, and Environmental, through the following framework.
Embodied Carbon
The project team firstly focused on the reuse of existing materials. As this was a refurbishment project, primary materials for the structure were already in place. Facade stones, wooden beams, foam insulation, ceramic tiles, interior walls, flooring, and window frames were all assessed for re-use. Material-related carbon was then reduced through the project team’s careful selection of natural and low-carbon materials. Carbon sequestering materials then further minimized the project’s impact. Finally, the remaining embodied carbon was offset through support for a renewable energy project in northern Brazil. Ultimately the project achieved zero embodied carbon.
Red List Free
With human and environmental health in mind, the project team screened all materials for harmful and toxic ingredients. Over 90% of the materials used in the project are free of Red List ingredients.
The project prioritized reclaimed wood and sourced the remaining 95% from responsibly managed forests with FSC certification. Declare and Living Product Challenge products were purchased where possible to support transparent ingredient sharing in the industry. Furthermore, the project sourced 34% of its materials locally, an additional 36% from within 1000km, and 25% from within 5000km.
Overall, Cal Guerxo implemented an ambitious material selection process and became the first building in Europe to achieve Living Building Challenge (LBC) certification.
If you’d like to learn more about the process of certifying your project, reach out to us for more information.
