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Sustainably designed children’s home supporting nature and wellbeing
A carefully engineered, low-impact care facility using traditional materials and a nature-led SuDS design to enhance biodiversity and long-term sustainability.
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Wildlife-friendly SuDS
Low-carbon materials
Biodiversity enhancement
This was about more than just building safely - it was about creating a setting that feels calm, considered, and connected to nature. From using natural materials to integrating a SuDS pond that supports biodiversity, every part of the design served a purpose. It’s a great example of how engineering can quietly support both sustainability and wellbeing.
Tom Morris
Structural Engineer
Sustainably designed children’s home supporting nature and wellbeing
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Wildlife-friendly SuDS
Low-carbon materials
Biodiversity enhancement
Engineer:
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Pearl Hyde Children’s Home brings together traditional construction and sustainable engineering to create a nurturing, future-ready environment for young residents.
The structure combines load-bearing masonry with timber trusses and steel-framed roof lights - offering durability, natural warmth, and efficient material use.
Due to poor infiltration on site, the drainage strategy focused on sustainability and amenity. A carefully integrated wildlife pond forms part of a SuDS system that manages surface water while supporting biodiversity and creating a calming natural feature for the site.
This project demonstrates REFEA’s approach to practical sustainability - combining thoughtful material choices and nature-based solutions to reduce environmental impact and enhance everyday spaces.
Focus Areas
REFEA’s work is guided by six core principles that drive sustainable structural and civil engineering - turning practical design decisions into low-carbon outcomes across East Anglia.
Reuse First
Prioritising existing structures and materials to reduce waste and embodied carbon.
Early Design Collaboration
Involving engineers early to embed sustainability from concept to construction.
Low-Carbon Materials
Specifying materials with lower embodied carbon and designing for material efficiency.
Circular Design Thinking
Designing for adaptability, longevity, and future reuse from the outset.
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Integrated Drainage Solutions
Embedding SuDS into civil engineering for sustainable, climate-resilient developments.
Practical Sustainability
Delivering buildable, cost-conscious solutions that meet real environmental targets.
Sustainable
structures
east anglia
As structural engineers, we have a unique opportunity to influence how the built environment responds to the climate crisis. Reuse isn't just about saving materials - it's about rethinking value, preserving what works, and designing with long-term resilience in mind. Through REFEA, we hope to make reuse a more practical and achievable option on projects across East Anglia by sharing knowledge, highlighting viable approaches, and supporting early-stage design decisions.
Mark Weston
Structural Engineer, JMS Engineers
Knowledge is key to sustainable change. Explore our latest insights and technical resources:
Path to a Low-Carbon Built Environment
The built environment contributes nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, much of it through construction and materials. In East Anglia, reducing embodied carbon is critical to meeting sustainability goals. By reusing structures, designing efficiently, and integrating low-impact civil solutions, we can reshape how the region builds - and lead the way towards a net zero future.