From Woodworking to Sustainable Building – with Makers Mark Joinery

Discover what makes Makers Mark Joinery special and explore their diverse projects, from traditional joinery to sustainable timber framing.

We are always thrilled to hear about our customers' efforts to contribute towards a more sustainable environment. Recently, we got in touch with our friend and returning customer, Tom (one-half of Makers Mark Joinery), to learn about the eco-friendly projects he has been working on. He shared with us the details about a roundhouse that he has built, taking inspiration from nature and the surrounding Pembrokeshire coast.

MakersMark Joinery is a wood workshop and timber-framing company in the beautiful Preseli Hills. Established in 2019 by carpenter/joiner John-Jo Clare and project manager Tom Wallis. Their focus is on creating sustainable, high-quality timber solutions for both large and small projects, ranging from traditional gates to eco-friendly homes.

When customers approached Tom and John-jo with a dream to create a spacious roundhouse with a brief that the building be sympathetic to the beautiful Pembrokeshire coastline and sustainable in its design and construction, they put their heart and soul into every aspect of the project, from designing and prefabricating the building in their workshop to transporting into the site and raising the frame. Makers Mark Joinery collaborated closely with their clients and Catalina Architects to design a breathtaking 20m diameter roundhouse. The design blends traditional timber framing techniques with modern methods, resulting in an impressive structure.

“Sitting lightly on the site in an idyllic woodland clearing, minimal environmental impact is key to the construction and use.” - Catalina Architecture.

About Ty Sanctaidd Roundhouse

Ty Sanctiadd Roundhouse is a unique 20m diameter ammonite-shaped building, incorporating an incredible 12m clear span in the central room. A truly stunning structure that nestles elegantly into its beautiful coastal surroundings.

“At the heart of this project is a deep respect for the natural environment. We worked closely with the landscape and surrounding ecosystem to create a building that harmoniously nestles into its coastal surroundings, celebrating the beauty of the natural world in both form and function.” Makers Mark Joinery

Makers Mark Joinery ensured their dedication towards sustainability by utilising eco-friendly materials such as locally sourced timber. They also paid close attention to the energy efficiency aspect of the building by incorporating sustainable insulation materials and passive solar design elements. This approach not only reduces the carbon footprint of the building but also creates a healthier environment for the community that uses it.

Once the frame of the building was complete, the building was then fitted with  Celenit Wood-wool Render Boards, using vapour permeable boards to create a breathable wall construction. They are a great alternative to cement or plasterboards; the open texture of the boards means that a lime plaster or lime render can be applied directly.

Using natural wood-wool boards has numerous benefits. Firstly, it is made from natural materials, making it an eco-friendly option. Secondly, it is perfect for individuals who are sensitive to allergies. Thirdly, it is recommended for healthy living environments since it does not give off any toxic vapours or fumes during application. Additionally, it is naturally resistant to fungi and insects, making it a highly durable option.

During the insulation process, the building was carefully fitted with  Thermafleece Cosywool insulation, which is made of natural fibres. This insulation is not only easy to install but also boasts high acoustic properties, making it an excellent choice for sound insulation.

Moreover, Cosywool insulation has a very low embodied energy, which means that it requires less energy to produce compared to traditional insulation materials. 

Additionally, it has the ability to act as a moisture buffer, meaning that it can absorb and release excess moisture, contributing to a healthier indoor environment.

In fact, Cosywool insulation can even absorb pollutants such as formaldehyde found in the building fabric, making it an environmentally friendly option that also promotes better indoor air quality. In conclusion, Thermafleece Cosywool insulation proved to be the perfect choice for the roundhouse, not only meeting its sustainability requirements but also providing excellent insulation and soundproofing capabilities.

The insulation was then used in conjunction with the Thermafleece breather membrane . A lightweight vapour permeable underlay designed for use in floor installations and walls or on top of insulation as a protective layer.

Makers Mark Joinery also used  Lime Green Warmshell Woodfibre insulation boards on an entryway to the roundhouse; roughly 35 boards were used. The boards offer an extremely versatile system that can be used in historical buildings and ecological developments, like the roundhouse. The core of the Warmshell system is the Woodfibre Insulation Boards, which offer exceptional insulating qualities and are also safe, breathable, and sustainable (The wood fibre insulation panels are sourced from sustainable European forests certified to FSC).

Warmshell’s woodfibre boards make the roundhouse snug and warm in the winter and comfortable and cool in the summer months. They also offer superior acoustic insulation due to its thermal mass. Limegreen woodfibre boards are fully accredited and meet the high standards for fire protection; Warmshell’s carbonisation properties limit the speed at which fire can spread – and a UKAS-approved fire testing lab has classified its fire protection qualities.

The Warmshell woodfibre insulation boards were then finished with the natural external render from Lime Green. The external render is made using hydraulic lime and marble aggregates. This combination makes the render durable and visually appealing. The finished render has a natural look and is coloured in Chalk, which blends well with the surroundings. Natural Finish external render is an ideal choice for a sustainably built home, and it brings an eco-friendly product to the core of the living space.

Makers Mark Joinery expertly designed and constructed our timber frame straw bale roundhouse, perfectly suited to its coastal location. Their commitment to utilizing environmentally sustainable materials, in conjunction with their collaboration with local tradespeople, resulted in a visually stunning and structurally sound building. Exceptional craftsmanship. - Jerome Flynn Ty Sanctaidd Roundhouse

Ty Sanctaidd Roundhouse opened its doors in summer 2023, offering a stunning and intimate space for workshops for community events. An intimate space for all who enter. 

We are impressed by Tom and John-Jo’s commitment to creating eco-friendly spaces and are excited to continue working with Makers Mark Joinery and supplying sustainable building materials for future projects.

For further information:

If you would like to discuss any of the products mentioned in this article with one of our experts, or you would like us to put together a competitive quote, please feel free to  contact us. 

For more information about Makers Mark Joinery and their projects, visit their website. makersmarkjoinery.co.uk

Find out more about Ty Sanctaidd Roundhouse with Makers Mark Joinery Projects  Ty Sanctaidd Roundhouse: Inspired by Nature . Nestled in the breathtaking coastal landscape, Ty Sanctaidd Roundhouse is a stunning masterpiece of modern and traditional design.

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