Construction of The Bale House

The Bale House has been constructed using the pioneering method of load-bearing straw bales. We have tried as far as possible to use natural and recycled materials, sourced as locally to the site as possible.

The Visitor Centre itself is an energy efficient low-carbon building, the straw used as the primary building material provides a breathable and healthy structure. Straw is a renewable material with great insulation properties.

We aimed to keep our carbon footprint as low as possible in keeping with our stainable management of the surrounding nature reserve.

Located within a site of special scientific interest, part of the High Weald National Landscape, natural building methods allow the structure to blend with the unique coastal landscape.

The specialist construction team was headed by Huff and Puff Construction and the building designed by Architects, Cave Cooperative.