Renovating
How Can I Incorporate Biodiversity Into My Building Project?
If you’re renovating, you have a brilliant opportunity to plan in nature-friendly touches at the outset
There are lots of things we can do around our homes that are beneficial for wildlife – installing a bird box, say, or adding bee- and butterfly-friendly flowers. But if you’re planning a significant renovation, you have the opportunity to incorporate even more meaningful, beautiful and useable features to better support biodiversity.
“We’re at a point in time where we’re trying to provide a better balance between humanity and nature and asking: how can architecture provide habitat for people and other species?” sustainable architect Kit Smithson says.
Read on to get expert tips on ways to boost nature in your build.
Professional advice from: Kit Smithson of Natural Building Studio; Rich Tyers of Rich Tyers Studios; Jon Davies of Gold & Wild, Wild City Studio and London Glades
“We’re at a point in time where we’re trying to provide a better balance between humanity and nature and asking: how can architecture provide habitat for people and other species?” sustainable architect Kit Smithson says.
Read on to get expert tips on ways to boost nature in your build.
Professional advice from: Kit Smithson of Natural Building Studio; Rich Tyers of Rich Tyers Studios; Jon Davies of Gold & Wild, Wild City Studio and London Glades
2. Make use of your building project rubble
Jon Davies, a champion of “brownfield gardening”, highlights another important reason for factoring in biodiversity early on – you can then make excellent use of building materials discarded during the project.
This, of course, needs upfront discussion with your designer and contractor to ensure everyone is on the same page. “Try to keep an itinerary of waste materials from the project, those with character or [that are] durable to re-use as hardstandings or landscaping features,” Jon says.
He also suggests holding onto waste that can be crushed for use as substrate for resilient planting areas. This could be anything from brick to concrete, asphalt, ceramics, recycled sand and even glass. As our summers get hotter, it’s also worth considering that plants that thrive in low fertility conditions require little or no water.
Discarded building materials can also make fantastic habitats for many invertebrates. “[Keep] waste that could be used as habitat piles – broken pieces of concrete, bricks, cobbles and timber,” Jon says, “and try to ensure builders don’t dispose of cement or building materials into the garden, or compact the earth to a waterlogged unusable landscape.”
More: Meet the Designers Championing Sustainable ‘Brownfield’ Gardens
Jon Davies, a champion of “brownfield gardening”, highlights another important reason for factoring in biodiversity early on – you can then make excellent use of building materials discarded during the project.
This, of course, needs upfront discussion with your designer and contractor to ensure everyone is on the same page. “Try to keep an itinerary of waste materials from the project, those with character or [that are] durable to re-use as hardstandings or landscaping features,” Jon says.
He also suggests holding onto waste that can be crushed for use as substrate for resilient planting areas. This could be anything from brick to concrete, asphalt, ceramics, recycled sand and even glass. As our summers get hotter, it’s also worth considering that plants that thrive in low fertility conditions require little or no water.
Discarded building materials can also make fantastic habitats for many invertebrates. “[Keep] waste that could be used as habitat piles – broken pieces of concrete, bricks, cobbles and timber,” Jon says, “and try to ensure builders don’t dispose of cement or building materials into the garden, or compact the earth to a waterlogged unusable landscape.”
More: Meet the Designers Championing Sustainable ‘Brownfield’ Gardens
3. Think carefully about green roofs and walls
Perhaps surprisingly, our experts are keen to point out the downsides of planning in a green roof on a new construction in terms of sustainability. “On the one hand, green roofs provide habitat in a location that may otherwise be devoid of life,” Kit says. “On the other, they require the use of high-embodied-carbon, petrochemical-based insulation and membranes.”
He suggests green walls can pose similar issues, because, although they provide useful habitats, the systems required to grow and support them typically rely on plastic membranes or boxes and ongoing pumped water.
Kit suggests that if you already have a flat roof, retrofitting it to grow things is a great idea, but that building an extension with a pitched roof is preferable, as this enables the use of natural insulation and low-embodied-carbon roof coverings.
Meanwhile, a different approach to a green wall that can work well on tiered sites is a dry stone wall or gabion as a retaining wall. “These allow water to penetrate, and provide creases and crevices for plants to take hold. Simply spray them with compost and manure, sit back, and watch nature grow,” Kit says.
If you’re retrofitting, Jon says, biodiverse green roofs are best. “Biodiverse roofs can incorporate substrate design through site waste materials and a variety of waste piles to encourage an amazing habitat network, which can be left to seed with resilient planting. Water and logs can also be incorporated. A beautiful, wild and totally low-maintenance space is created in this way.”
Find a range of renovation pros in the Houzz Professionals Directory.
Perhaps surprisingly, our experts are keen to point out the downsides of planning in a green roof on a new construction in terms of sustainability. “On the one hand, green roofs provide habitat in a location that may otherwise be devoid of life,” Kit says. “On the other, they require the use of high-embodied-carbon, petrochemical-based insulation and membranes.”
He suggests green walls can pose similar issues, because, although they provide useful habitats, the systems required to grow and support them typically rely on plastic membranes or boxes and ongoing pumped water.
Kit suggests that if you already have a flat roof, retrofitting it to grow things is a great idea, but that building an extension with a pitched roof is preferable, as this enables the use of natural insulation and low-embodied-carbon roof coverings.
Meanwhile, a different approach to a green wall that can work well on tiered sites is a dry stone wall or gabion as a retaining wall. “These allow water to penetrate, and provide creases and crevices for plants to take hold. Simply spray them with compost and manure, sit back, and watch nature grow,” Kit says.
If you’re retrofitting, Jon says, biodiverse green roofs are best. “Biodiverse roofs can incorporate substrate design through site waste materials and a variety of waste piles to encourage an amazing habitat network, which can be left to seed with resilient planting. Water and logs can also be incorporated. A beautiful, wild and totally low-maintenance space is created in this way.”
Find a range of renovation pros in the Houzz Professionals Directory.
4. Consider materials carefully
It’s not necessarily about the materials, but more about how any given material is used, Jon explains. “Wild porosity is a term we use to describe leaving cracks and crevices wherever possible for wildlife to live in,” he says. “Leave gaps in pointing, use gabions with large crushed pieces, and re-use site waste material in clever and creative ways for habitat inclusion.”
Paving is something most of us will want to incorporate in our gardens, and patios are often built during a rear extension project, so even if the garden isn’t renovated, it’s well worth being aware of environmentally kind options at the planning stage.
“There are plenty of paving materials that give space for plants to grow,” Kit says, echoing some of Jon’s thinking. “A simple approach is to bed or joint your pavers with sand rather than cement. This will allow them to drain freely and give space for plants to grow in between.”
As an alternative to solid concrete or asphalt, Kit also suggests Grasscrete, a grid of concrete that has voids where grass can be planted. “[This is] great where you also need to account for high loads, such as in frequently used driveways,” he says.
Rich advises avoiding anything made from plastic, which may risk leaking microplastics as well as off-gassing.
It’s not necessarily about the materials, but more about how any given material is used, Jon explains. “Wild porosity is a term we use to describe leaving cracks and crevices wherever possible for wildlife to live in,” he says. “Leave gaps in pointing, use gabions with large crushed pieces, and re-use site waste material in clever and creative ways for habitat inclusion.”
Paving is something most of us will want to incorporate in our gardens, and patios are often built during a rear extension project, so even if the garden isn’t renovated, it’s well worth being aware of environmentally kind options at the planning stage.
“There are plenty of paving materials that give space for plants to grow,” Kit says, echoing some of Jon’s thinking. “A simple approach is to bed or joint your pavers with sand rather than cement. This will allow them to drain freely and give space for plants to grow in between.”
As an alternative to solid concrete or asphalt, Kit also suggests Grasscrete, a grid of concrete that has voids where grass can be planted. “[This is] great where you also need to account for high loads, such as in frequently used driveways,” he says.
Rich advises avoiding anything made from plastic, which may risk leaking microplastics as well as off-gassing.
5. Ensure your building project allows space for climbing plants
“Speak to your architect about your ambitions early,” Rich says. “They can advise on suitable systems. While climbers provide a fantastic resource for wildlife, with fruits to eat and sheltered spaces, they can impose risks to the building structure that are important to understand early.”
Jon advises, “Wire up your walls and use climbers that don’t go crazy and need lots of maintenance. Akebia quinata [chocolate vine] and honeysuckles work well. Virginia creepers are good climbers that self-grip to walls.”
Kit highlights how useful climbers can be beyond the biodiversity benefits they bring. “I’m working on a project with a south-facing glazed facade and patio. It would be scorched in summer [without] adequate shading, so we’re providing a pergola and climbing plants,” he says.
We’ll use deciduous climbers, so they shade the building in summer then die back in winter to allow the sun to warm the interior of the building,” he continues. “In spring, there will be beautiful flowers that support pollinators and bring colour to the space. It draws on the principles of permaculture, where every element of a system has multiple functions.”
“Speak to your architect about your ambitions early,” Rich says. “They can advise on suitable systems. While climbers provide a fantastic resource for wildlife, with fruits to eat and sheltered spaces, they can impose risks to the building structure that are important to understand early.”
Jon advises, “Wire up your walls and use climbers that don’t go crazy and need lots of maintenance. Akebia quinata [chocolate vine] and honeysuckles work well. Virginia creepers are good climbers that self-grip to walls.”
Kit highlights how useful climbers can be beyond the biodiversity benefits they bring. “I’m working on a project with a south-facing glazed facade and patio. It would be scorched in summer [without] adequate shading, so we’re providing a pergola and climbing plants,” he says.
We’ll use deciduous climbers, so they shade the building in summer then die back in winter to allow the sun to warm the interior of the building,” he continues. “In spring, there will be beautiful flowers that support pollinators and bring colour to the space. It draws on the principles of permaculture, where every element of a system has multiple functions.”
6. Create space for birds and bats
Kit breaks this down into one key principle: “With all habitat integration, nature just needs space and food.” Options include designing in suitable space through the provision of boxes, ledges, holes, crevices or canopies, depending on your target species.
“Often the building isn’t the best place for wildlife as, once they settle in, they can be difficult to move,” Rich warns. “If you have nesting bats, you may not be permitted to move them or they may be movable, but at huge expense. If you have space, consider moving ecological features into the landscape of your garden instead of on the building. There’s less light and human activity in the garden, so species will be more likely to come – and you will be able to make adjustment to your home without impacting upon that animal’s wellbeing.”
Rich suggests seeking out specialist advice online from Natural History Book Service (NHBS) on where best to hang boxes, as the height of the box impacts which species are drawn to it. “It’s also possible to make your own, which is great fun,” he says. “The Action for Swifts website has some great DIY projects on there.”
Kit adds, “There may occasionally be unintended species that inhabit the space. It’s one reason why you need to consider access for maintenance during the design stage.”
Kit breaks this down into one key principle: “With all habitat integration, nature just needs space and food.” Options include designing in suitable space through the provision of boxes, ledges, holes, crevices or canopies, depending on your target species.
“Often the building isn’t the best place for wildlife as, once they settle in, they can be difficult to move,” Rich warns. “If you have nesting bats, you may not be permitted to move them or they may be movable, but at huge expense. If you have space, consider moving ecological features into the landscape of your garden instead of on the building. There’s less light and human activity in the garden, so species will be more likely to come – and you will be able to make adjustment to your home without impacting upon that animal’s wellbeing.”
Rich suggests seeking out specialist advice online from Natural History Book Service (NHBS) on where best to hang boxes, as the height of the box impacts which species are drawn to it. “It’s also possible to make your own, which is great fun,” he says. “The Action for Swifts website has some great DIY projects on there.”
Kit adds, “There may occasionally be unintended species that inhabit the space. It’s one reason why you need to consider access for maintenance during the design stage.”
7. Don’t forget other wildlife
Along with birds and bats, “the most common provision is for owls, insects, and plant life,” Kit says. And even the smallest habitats can flourish with local wildlife. “A friend of mine had an old Belfast sink in their garden that, with a few logs for animals to get out, made a great pond,” he says. “Window boxes and other small additions make a big difference, so don’t only think about the ‘big’ design features.”
Rich suggests looking at MAGIC, an interactive UK map from Defra with areas noted where important ecological features or species exist. He also recommends checking out the Royal Horticultural Society’s Plants for Pollinators list and resources at The Wildlife Trusts.
Jon advises doing your research. “Discover what thrives or what’s in decline locally and plant wild plants that encourage those specific birds, insects or mammals,” he says.
Along with birds and bats, “the most common provision is for owls, insects, and plant life,” Kit says. And even the smallest habitats can flourish with local wildlife. “A friend of mine had an old Belfast sink in their garden that, with a few logs for animals to get out, made a great pond,” he says. “Window boxes and other small additions make a big difference, so don’t only think about the ‘big’ design features.”
Rich suggests looking at MAGIC, an interactive UK map from Defra with areas noted where important ecological features or species exist. He also recommends checking out the Royal Horticultural Society’s Plants for Pollinators list and resources at The Wildlife Trusts.
Jon advises doing your research. “Discover what thrives or what’s in decline locally and plant wild plants that encourage those specific birds, insects or mammals,” he says.
8. Stick to your guns
Incorporating biodiversity into a building project may not be the easiest path, but remembering why you’re persisting will help you remain true to your plans and ensure everyone you hire to work on your project is on board.
“Our country was once covered in dense forests and habitats,” Rich says. “It’s increasingly evident that the habitats we’ve cleared are responsible for regulating our climate and carbon emissions. We have a responsibility to restore and maximise the ecological value of our land at all scales and it’s well known that our gardens contribute materially to the overall diversity of our ecosystem.”
He suggests commissioning a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA), undertaken by an ecologist – preferably one registered with the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM). This will assesses which species might be present locally, what habitats exist, and the likelihood of significant species of animal being there.
“That’s the formal way,” he says. “The informal way is to look at what’s there and seek to replace it in kind. If there’s a tree you want to take down, could you plant another somewhere else? If not, are there other offsetting ecological measures you could take?”
If you’ve already completed your project, or can’t stretch to retrofitting a green roof or other designed-in features, fret not. “Just create a wild garden where you can,” Jon says. “And remember, ‘right plants for right place’. From open aspect, to glade and shaded woodland, all are special niches where wildlife thrive.”
Tell us…
Are you renovating? What sorts of biodiversity measures might you try to incorporate? Share your ideas in the Comments.
Incorporating biodiversity into a building project may not be the easiest path, but remembering why you’re persisting will help you remain true to your plans and ensure everyone you hire to work on your project is on board.
“Our country was once covered in dense forests and habitats,” Rich says. “It’s increasingly evident that the habitats we’ve cleared are responsible for regulating our climate and carbon emissions. We have a responsibility to restore and maximise the ecological value of our land at all scales and it’s well known that our gardens contribute materially to the overall diversity of our ecosystem.”
He suggests commissioning a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA), undertaken by an ecologist – preferably one registered with the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM). This will assesses which species might be present locally, what habitats exist, and the likelihood of significant species of animal being there.
“That’s the formal way,” he says. “The informal way is to look at what’s there and seek to replace it in kind. If there’s a tree you want to take down, could you plant another somewhere else? If not, are there other offsetting ecological measures you could take?”
If you’ve already completed your project, or can’t stretch to retrofitting a green roof or other designed-in features, fret not. “Just create a wild garden where you can,” Jon says. “And remember, ‘right plants for right place’. From open aspect, to glade and shaded woodland, all are special niches where wildlife thrive.”
Tell us…
Are you renovating? What sorts of biodiversity measures might you try to incorporate? Share your ideas in the Comments.
“With nearly all elements of architecture, its composition is most beautiful when all the elements are considered during the earliest briefing and design phases of a project,” Kit Smithson says. “We [also] want habitat provision to feel integrated rather than bolted on. At times, it might be a key component of the architectural aesthetic, and at other times, it might be neatly concealed within a facade detail.
“The best place to start is by writing the requirement for biodiversity into your initial project brief,” he continues. “Then you either need an architect with an interest in it or an ecologist to advise your architect.”
Seek advice from your pro about what kind of creatures you’re likely to attract. “Be realistic about the type of species one could expect to inhabit the site,” Kit says. “From then on, all the techniques are relatively simple, and well documented. For example, The Barn Owl Trust provides brilliant, detailed instructions on how to provide a barn owl box in rural areas.”
Rich Tyers adds that bats, newts and other species are commonly protected by law. “If the homeowner thinks they may have a protected species in a space they want to disturb, it’s very important they seek professional advice from an ecologist.”