We were given the pleasurable task of designing and building a small sustainable dwelling in beautiful surroundings in the East Sussex counrtyside for a friend. The brief was for the building to sit comfortably on the site, on the edge of a recently planted 'forest garden', to accomadate occasional vistors and as a retreat from everyday life. The design is based on early mediaeval hall houses of the region, using only natural and locally sourced materials, including an oak frame, rammed earth floor, hempcrete and lime plastered walls, and a turf roof. The idea was for the build to be opened up for people to take part in who may have been interested in the building techniques, to gain experience. The material cost alone was estimated at only £14,000, so the build would have been very cost effective, as well as providing training and the opportunity for social connections. Unfortunately situations changed and the project never came to be.