Nov. 22, 2023

Cork House [1of2] - Matthew Barnett Howland - BS109

Cork House [1of2] - Matthew Barnett Howland - BS109

Architectural Character and the Power of Plant Based Materials

In this episode, our guest, Matthew Barnett Howland, a Director of Research and Development at an architecture firm and Associate Professor, discusses the whole life approach to architecture and environmental sustainability. We delve into the use of cork as the main material in a cork house, exploring its limitations and the decision-making process behind it. Mathew shares insights on working with materials like straw, hemp, timber, and cork, and his shift towards sustainable building methods.

The episode also covers structural considerations, challenges faced, and the connection between the design of the building and the life cycle of the material used. Tune in for an engaging conversation on architecture, materials, and sustainability.


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Matthew Barnett Howland

Matthew works in architectural practice and research, drawing on over two decades of activity in these fields and on broader experience in self-building, property development, set design, and architectural education – always in collaboration with others.
He studied architecture at Cambridge University and the Bartlett UCL, and has worked in architectural practice at Buschow Henley in London and Jestico & Whiles in Prague. As a co-director of MPH Architects (with Catherine Phillips and Dido Milne), from 2015-2018 he led a research team of industry and academic partners on ‘Solid Cork Building Envelope’, part-funded by Innovate UK and EPSRC. The subsequent Cork House, completed in 2019, was designed with Dido Milne and Oliver Wilton, and self-built by Matthew. He is currently Director of Research & Development at CSK Architects in Eton.

Matthew has initiated, designed and managed property developments, including 66 Brick Lane which won the RIBA Downlands Prize 2004 for Urban Regeneration (with Dido Milne), and villas in Ibiza with his father, William Howland (winner of RIBA Building of the Year 1989 with Nelson Mandela School in Birmingham). He also designed the sets for Opera North’s production of Cosi fan Tutte, directed by Tim Albery.

As an architectural tutor, he has taught diploma units at the Architectural Association (with Peter Karl Becher), Cambridge University (with Oliver Wilton) and London Met, where he was awarded the RIBA Tutor Prize in 2004 with David Grandorge. He is currently an Associate Professor at The Bartlett School o… Read More

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