Ex Budehaven Student Designs Sustainable Compact Building

A former Budehaven student has turned his dream into a reality. 22 year old Max Marshall came up with an idea for a compact, movable, environmentally friendly building in 2009 while working as a chef at a French ski resort. Now, three years on, the first Eco-Hubb has been produced and is already causing quite a stir.

Max originally dreamyt up the idea of a pre-fabricated, timber framed pod that could be put up in sections when trying to try and overcome the difficulties building chalets in the mountains but it has many other potential uses.

Thinking of young adults in particular, Max says an Eco Hubb sited in their parents' garden could offer a relatively cheap and effective solution while trying to get on the property ladder. This is especially the case as the Eco Hubb is designed to meet planning regulations similar to that of a mobile home or garden room so in most cases wouldn't need planning permission.

The Eco Hubb's environmental credentials are also second to none; the lighting is powered by solar panels, it is insulated with natural materials that keep it warm and dry in winter and cool in the summer and materials have been locally sourced whenever possible.

To bring the Eco Hubb to life, Max managed to win financial support from the Blanchminster Trust and the Prince's Trust.

Work on the first building began in May 2012 with a team of 4 people, Max and his father Stuart Marshall, and local builders Vernon and son James Bright, another ex Budehaven student. Due to the Eco Hubb's unique shape and specialist, pre-fabricated modular design it took many months of discussion, planning, hard work and craftsmanship but it was finally completed in September this year.

Max has already had a lot of interest including enquiries from individuals as well as campsites who want to use the Eco Hubb as an alternative to mobile homes.

He says: "I'm incredibly proud of my design and for persevering with my initial dream of building the Eco Hubb. This would not have been possible without financial assistance from the Blanchminster and Prince's Trust, my parents for supporting and believing in me and Vernon and James Bright who have worked tirelessly to create an incredible building of the future. Also thanks must go to Alan Barnes, Head of Design and Technology at Budehaven Community School, for planting the seed that you can build anything if you put your mind to it!"

For more information on the Eco Hubb go to www.ecohubb-gardenpods.co.uk or http://www.facebook.com/TheEcoHubbProject or email info@ecohubb-gardenpods.co.uk