Buildings

The core principle of the development of the derelict buildings of Mucknell Farm into Mucknell Abbey was that it was to be sustainable - environmentally, economically, ecologically and socially.

Building Materials

Where practicable, the existing buildings were retained for re-use. Materials from the demolished farmhouse were recycled and re-used in construction. Natural materials with low embodied energy were used in the Oratory, such as timber and lime render. Breeze blocks and paving slabs were made from recycled raw materials. Where possible, materials were sourced locally.

Energy

Heat loss has been minimised through significant improvements to insulation in the existing buildings and well insulating the Oratory and new accommodation block. Under-floor heating has been installed to deliver heat to where it is needed. The lighting and appliances are low-energy models.

We aim to have a simple and frugal lifestyle to minimise our energy requirements. We also try to manage and control our energy usage and systems as efficiently as possible.

We meet most of our energy demand through the use of renewable energy technologies and renewable fuel sources. These include: solar water heating; solar electricity from photovoltaic panels; a wood chip boiler, with the chip coming from local sources and eventually from our own woodland, hence minimising carbon emissions from transport; a wood-burning stove in the refectory. We purchase the grid electricity we need from a green supplier.

Water

The building design incorporates a rainwater harvesting system, which feeds a 5,000 litre underground tank. The water is used in toilets and showers. The taps, toilets and showers in the building are water-efficient.

Rainwater is also harvesting into water butts in the kitchen garden. There is a bore hole next to the garden in the orchard, which we will restore as a further supply.

We aim to minimise water demand and water loss in the kitchen garden. The beds in the greenhouse are watered using an efficient irrigation drip system, and we mulch using grass cuttings, compost, horse manure.

Waste

Foul water is disposed of using an on-site biological treatment system and reed beds in a series of three swales. A sustainable urban drainage system handles the ground water around the abbey buildings.

We minimise waste as much as possible through re-use or recycling. We compost all raw organic waste, and are considering means of compsting cooked foods, bread, dairy and the like.