For many homeowners, a request from someone passing by to feel the exterior of their house might seem peculiar. However, for Nina Woodcroft, the owner of a distinct residence adorned with eye-catching cork insulation panels, such inquiries are frequent—and warmly received.
While initial conversations often arise from curiosity, they typically evolve into in-depth, enthusiastic discussions about enhancing energy efficiency in homes, according to Woodcroft. “As newcomers to the neighborhood, this has been a wonderful way to connect with our local community. Delivery drivers often ask, ‘What’s that?’, leading to engaging discussions about cork that can last for ten minutes, rather than a quick, impersonal exchange,” she explains.
Woodcroft and her family settled into their south Tottenham, London, home at the close of 2023. The property has since garnered several nominations for awards, including the prestigious Don’t Move, Improve and the RIBA London awards. Originally a “leaky” estate from the 1970s, designed for clergy, Woodcroft, who leads the design firm Nina+Co, opted for a renovation rather than an extension. Collaborating with architects ROAR, she aimed to transform the property into a cozy, family-oriented space that is energy-efficient and completely free of fossil fuels.
“Our architect noted that our budget allocation was quite unconventional. Typically, clients might think about a loft conversion or adding an extra floor, but our priority was to future-proof and optimize what we already had,” Woodcroft states.
After completely removing the gas supply, Woodcroft and her team installed an air-source heat pump in the front garden. To enhance efficiency, the traditional radiators downstairs were replaced with underfloor heating. They used sheep wool, wood fiber, recycled plastic fleece embedded with cork granules for internal insulation. The household’s annual energy expense stands at approximately £1,088, which is significantly lower than the national average, relying solely on electricity.
To envelop the house, they selected dark expanded cork, a material that is becoming increasingly popular due to its thermal insulation properties, sustainability, and visual appeal.
“The manufacturing involves heating and pressing cork granules, which are fragments of the cork oak tree’s bark, into panels. During this process, a natural substance called suberin is released, which binds the cork granules together without additional adhesives. This is what renders the product exceptionally natural,” Woodcroft explains.
The indoor design of the home, inspired by the needs of active children, features thoughtful choices including joinery crafted from locally sourced and reclaimed woods, countertops made from recycled plastic, and a kitchen island fashioned from a plane tree felled in Soho Square by Westminster council.
“I feel a deep sense of connection in this house, largely due to the natural materials. It’s warm underfoot, which my feet truly appreciate. The space feels comforting and serene, like a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the outside world,” Woodcroft shares.
Nina+Co originated from Woodcroft’s dissatisfaction with the disregard for the ecological consequences of materials in the design industry. Nina’s House exemplifies the firm’s commitment to creating inviting, textured interiors with minimal environmental impact, similar to designs for Silo, a pioneering zero-waste restaurant in Hackney Wick, east London, which earned a Michelin green star. The Silo project incorporated timber offcuts, foraged seaweed, mycelium—an eco-friendly fungal material—and crushed glass bottles.
“I constantly ponder the future life of each material: will it become part of a restaurant, a retail space, a residence? Everything has a limited lifespan in the grand timeline of our planet. Therefore, I aim to consider how to ensure longevity and value in all these elements,” Woodcroft notes.
She aspires for her renovation to encourage others to reflect on the materials they choose in their property designs and take simple steps toward increasing sustainability and energy efficiency in their own homes.
“I’m enthusiastic about sharing insights with others… I understand that not everyone has the financial means, time, or energy to undertake a project of this scale, as they might be preoccupied with their daily lives. However, if my journey can inspire even one small change, such as swapping out one material in their home, that would be absolutely remarkable.”
