Design firm Nina+Co joins forces with London practice ROAR Architects on Nina’s House design. The home, first built in the 70s has been turned into a ‘passive facade.’ This is meant for the founder of Nina+Co and her family. The renovation project focused on updating the existing fabric and improving the home in terms of its thermal elements at the main component. The exterior is defined by expanded cork panels that give it a dark and mottled appeal.

Woodcroft explains to Dezeen, “We wanted a warm and cosy home for our family – low-energy, fossil-fuel-free, and made using natural, non-toxic materials wherever possible. Dark expanded cork is made by steaming, which activates the natural binders within the bark. It’s an incredibly useful, truly natural material that also happens to smell amazing.” ROAR founder, Craif Rosenblatt adds, “Beyond performance, its tactile surface draws people in – school children stroke it, neighbours ask questions, turning a passive facade into a community touchpoint.”

Image Credit: French+Tye.