Eco-Home: High-Quality Construction Materials

We help Maximize Your Rental Income with Eco-homes and Luxury Holiday Homes, provided by RIBA Chartered Architects.

Loakes Bedale’s and a 200 year old Afghan carpet

Introduction: Eco-Home: High-Quality Construction Materials

Over fifteen years ago, a friend whose Godfather worked at Lokes introduced me to the enduring quality of leather boots. A pair of 1880 Lokes Bedales, acquired at a discount, not only proved to be a wise investment but also sparked a lifelong appreciation for durability and aesthetics in materials. A lesson we attempt to carry into the projects we design. I believe, Eco-Home designs have lessons to learn from companies like Loakes.

Longevity in Use

Contrary to expectations, these boots have become more comfortable and visually appealing over time, surpassing more than a decade of wear as my primary footwear. This experience offers insights into material specification, especially relevant in the field of architecture.

The Monocoque Cabin has been designed to age gracefully over time, blending seamlessly with the surrounding woodland. The aspirations is after many years the cabin will look far more layered, electric and intriguing than when it was first built.

High-Quality Materials in Eco

High-quality architecture has much to learn from enduring British brands like Loake—brands that understand the value of materials that age with grace rather than degrade with time. In architecture, as in craftsmanship, the longevity and beauty of a material are not afterthoughts—they are foundational.

At Markos Design Workshop, timber has consistently stood out as a material that embodies these principles. It matures naturally, weathers elegantly, and settles into the landscape with quiet confidence. But it’s important to acknowledge that not all timber is created equal. The world of wood is nuanced—factors such as moisture content, durability, species type (hardwood vs softwood), treatment processes, and whether it’s solid or engineered—all play a critical role in performance and longevity.

True sustainability lies not only in sourcing but in the thoughtful selection of materials that don’t demand constant replacement. It’s this long-view approach that underpins both great shoemaking and great architecture.

Maintenance and Care: Ensuring Durability

Just as my boots require regular maintenance with cedar shoe trees and protective waxes, buildings, too, need ongoing care. Occasional repairs and treatments are essential to preserve functionality and aesthetics, ensuring longevity akin to well-kept leather boots.

Close-up details of the 1880’s Loakes

Conclusion: A Call for Thoughtful Material Choices in Eco-Homes

This analogy between high-quality boots and Eco-Homes underscores the importance of choosing quality materials that age well and require manageable upkeep. For architects and clients alike, investing in the right materials can mean the difference between a structure that is temporarily adequate and one that becomes a lasting legacy.

If you care to work with natural materials and have a project in mind feel free to schedule a call with us by clicking the link below - or feel free to send me an email instead: peter@markosdesignworkhop.com