AJ Climate Champions podcast – Sarah Wigglesworth: ‘Sustainable architecture is fantastically creative’

In this six-episode series, Hattie Hartman and her co-host George Morgan interview changemakers and innovators who are transforming architecture as we know it by designing in ways that respect planetary boundaries. Our six champions will offer inspiration as well as sharing essential knowledge about design in an era of climate emergency.

Episode five centres on the retrofit of Stock Orchard Street, Sarah’s home and office, completed in 2001. The Stock Orchard Street retrofit, completed in 2020, tackled maintenance and repair, a deep environmental upgrade and rethinking the house for aging gracefully, what Sarah describes as ‘the fourth age.’

You can catch up on the previous episodes of AJ Climate Champions with Maria Smith, Annalie Riches, Sofie Pelsmakers and Diana Dina below.

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About Sarah Wigglesworth

Sarah Wigglesworth founded Sarah Wigglesworth Architects (SWA) in 1994. Currently employing 10 people, Sarah’s small practice has consistently punched above its weight with provocative use of materials, clear structural expression, and a holistic approach to design that promotes social wellbeing and a sustainable future. This means not just designing beautiful spaces but using the design process to engage and empower clients.

Show notes: resources mentioned in this episode

Stock Orchard Street (2001)

Source:Ben Blossom

Stock Orchard Street, Sarah Wigglesworth’s home/office in Islington, London, backs onto the railway and unashamedly exploits concrete gabions, sandbags and straw bales as part of its architectural expression.

Is this the most Influential House of a Generation?

Building Revisit by Hattie Hartman AJ 30.01.16

Around and About Stock Orchard Street (2011)

Around & About Stock Orchard Street

Wide-ranging and informative essays from different disciplines explore the thinking behind Stock Orchard Street

R20: Stock Orchard Street Retrofit – a detailed narrative describing the retrofit completed in 2020

Enhabit – environmental consultancy involved in Stock Orchard Street retrofit and subsequent SWA projects

Dwell, University of Sheffield (2016) Research on designing environments for later life

Sandal Magna Primary School (2010)

Source:Mark Hadden

Sandal Magna makes the most of passive design and low carbon construction principles: response to solar orientation, thermal mass and natural ventilation, as well as extensive use of timber.

Ebbsfleet Healthy Garden City (ongoing)

ACAN

ACAN Education Toolkit

ACAN Circular Economy Lunchtime talks