The construction industry is at a turning point. With increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions and improve building efficiency, innovative solutions are needed to transform how we build our homes. One such innovation has now taken centre stage at Nansledan, the Duchy of Cornwall’s flagship sustainable development. GRWNhome, a pioneering bio-based construction system developed in collaboration between GRWN Group and Sydenhams Timber Engineering, has been selected to deliver the next generation of low-carbon housing at this prestigious site.
Nansledan: Leading the Way in Sustainable Development
Nansledan, meaning “broad valley” in Cornish, is a 540-acre extension to Newquay, designed to reflect the principles of sustainability, community, and traditional architecture championed by the Duchy of Cornwall. The development embodies a vision of long-term environmental responsibility and high-quality design, ensuring homes are built with durable, low-carbon materials while fostering a strong sense of place.
The Duchy of Cornwall has long been committed to pioneering sustainable construction, and the selection of GRWNhome aligns perfectly with its objectives. The incorporation of GRWNhome’s innovative building system into Nansledan is a major milestone in the journey towards net-zero construction.
What is GRWNhome?
GRWNhome is a revolutionary timber-framed construction system that integrates hemp-based bio-composites to create high-performance, sustainable homes. By replacing traditional carbon-intensive materials such as concrete and steel with a bio-based alternative, GRWNhome significantly reduces the embodied carbon of each home while offering superior insulation, airtightness, and durability.
Developed through extensive research and collaboration between GRWN and Sydenhams Timber Engineering, the system is designed to provide a scalable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly solution for the construction industry. The use of industrial hemp in the building envelope ensures that each home stores more carbon than it emits during construction, making GRWNhome an essential innovation for the future of net-zero housing.
Key Benefits of GRWNhome
- Superior Thermal Performance – The high-insulating properties of hemp-based materials significantly reduce heating and cooling requirements, lowering energy consumption and costs.
- Durability & Resilience– GRWNhome is designed to last, with materials that offer exceptional strength, moisture regulation, and resistance to degradation.
- Rapid, Precision Engineering – The prefabricated system allows for fast on-site assembly, reducing labour costs and minimising disruption during construction.
- Healthier Living Environment – The natural properties of hemp help regulate humidity and air quality, providing a more comfortable indoor climate for residents.
- Compliant with Future Regulations – GRWNhome is built to exceed upcoming sustainability and energy efficiency regulations, ensuring compliance with the evolving demands of the UK’s net-zero strategy.
The First GRWNhomes at Nansledan
In a landmark moment for sustainable construction, the first two GRWNhomes were delivered to Nansledan on the same day that King Charles III and Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited the site. Their presence highlighted the importance of innovative, low-carbon solutions in shaping the future of UK housing.
The first GRWNhomes at Nansledan represent a new standard for environmentally responsible living. Designed with both sustainability and practicality in mind, these homes demonstrate how modern, high-performance materials can be seamlessly integrated into traditional architectural settings.
Each unit showcases the potential of hemp-based construction, proving that net-zero homes can be delivered at scale without compromising on design, comfort, or durability. This milestone marks the beginning of a broader rollout, with more GRWNhomes set to be introduced at Nansledan and beyond.
The Role of the Duchy of Cornwall in Driving Innovation
The Duchy of Cornwall has always played a leading role in promoting sustainable building practices, and its adoption of GRWNhome underscores its commitment to reducing the environmental impact of construction. By integrating bio-based materials and innovative building methods into one of the UK’s most high-profile developments, the Duchy is setting a precedent for the wider industry.
This collaboration between the Duchy, GRWN Group, and Sydenhams Timber Engineering highlights the growing momentum behind regenerative construction, where buildings actively contribute to environmental restoration rather than depletion. The incorporation of GRWNhome at Nansledan is a powerful demonstration of what’s possible when visionary leadership meets groundbreaking innovation.
Scaling the Impact of GRWNhome
With the successful delivery of the first homes at Nansledan, GRWN is now looking to expand the use of GRWNhome across both private and social housing projects. The system’s ability to deliver high-quality, energy-efficient homes at scale makes it a viable solution for addressing the UK’s housing crisis while meeting stringent environmental targets.
Additionally, GRWN is working with policymakers, developers, and industry leaders to accelerate the adoption of bio-based construction methods across the country. The goal is not just to build better homes but to reshape the entire construction industry by demonstrating that sustainable, high-performance housing is both feasible and commercially viable.
A New Standard for the Future
The integration of GRWNhome at Nansledan is more than just a milestone for GRWN—it’s a blueprint for the future of construction. By prioritising carbon-negative materials, advanced engineering, and sustainable design, the project sets a new benchmark for the industry.
For homeowners, developers, and policymakers alike, GRWNhome represents a transformational shift in how homes are designed and built. As more developments embrace this innovative system, we move closer to a built environment that is truly aligned with the principles of sustainability and long-term environmental stewardship.
The success of GRWNhome at Nansledan proves that the future of construction is not just about reducing emissions—it’s about rethinking how we build from the ground up. By turning to bio-based materials and advanced timber engineering, we can create homes that are not just sustainable, but regenerative, ensuring that future generations inherit a world that is healthier, greener, and more resilient.
Join the Movement
GRWN is on a mission to redefine the future of housing. Whether you’re a developer, architect, policymaker, or homeowner interested in low-carbon construction, now is the time to be part of the change.
To learn more about GRWNhome and its application at Nansledan, get in touch with our team today. Together, we can build a more sustainable future—one home at a time.