About us.
Generations of Design(er) Principals
The term 'designer' is frequently linked with the allure of exotic brands, luxurious goods, and aspirational lifestyles—a narrative of high-end products portrayed as essential to achieving a utopian dream. This vision, often amplified by social media, is fundamentally unsustainable.
At its heart, 'DESIGN' transcends the superficiality of brands and ownership. To design means to think, to realise, to solve problems, and create worthy solutions. In a world beset by challenges, the allure of luxury branding falls short of bringing about meaningful change. What we need isn't just a rethinking ... but a complete re-DESIGNING of our reality.
New technology is now available for developing astonishing solutions, and what was once an elusive dream can become a desirable reality. Today’s technology has many names, such as BIM, Computational Design, A.I., or Algorithms. These tools are individually incapable of effecting significant change, but when employed together, we prove their seamless integration creates amazing results.
We call our program “ONE SYSTEM”, and it is our proprietary process for smoothly joining concept with production to maximize the efficient use of technology that results in reduced production costs for mass-produced ecologically advanced buildings for the everyday homeowner.
A Heritage of Designing Solutions
Design has been the professional focus of our family for over 70 years, beginning with John, the founder of our creative agency Camm Ashbrook, in the vibrant heart of the swinging ‘60s on Fulham Road, London. John's son, James, was steeped in design from birth, nurtured within a commercial and social network teeming with creative minds. For James, design was not just a profession—it was a way of thinking, a way of living, a visual lens for experiencing and enhancing the world.
From a young age, James was his father's companion on journeys around the world, consulting with international designers and architects, and absorbing the nuances of global design philosophies. This exposure left a palpable imprint, and James wholeheartedly studied architecture in London during the ‘90s, later inaugurating his first creative studio in Templeworks, Hackney.
For James, design transcended all traditional boundaries and became integral to his professional expression as an adaptable and constantly evolving process, now further enhanced by today’s remarkable technology.
“Our family’s inherent love of design underscores a heritage of creative design virtuosity—a tradition and legacy reflecting our dedication to inspired design." James Camm - Director Biophilic Limited.
Innovative Construction Processes: The Heart of Our Vision
The foremost focus of our construction philosophy is a commitment to technological innovation and efficiency. Our process begins with meticulous planning in cloud-based architecture.
Our builds utilise Building Information Modeling (BIM), enabling us to fabricate many components simultaneously with precision and tolerances. This process is efficient and scalable and lays the groundwork for the construction of thousands of cost-effective buildings. For those unique craft-based elements that cannot be automated, we employ local craftsmen or prefabricate these specialty items for onsite assembly.
Cross Laminated Timber (CLT): Sustainable Programmable Construction
Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) is an advanced engineered wood product used in modern construction, widely known for its strength, versatility, and environmental benefits. Made by layering and bonding timber in perpendicular layers, CLT rivals the strength of traditional building materials such as steel and concrete. An outstanding benefit of CLT is its use for both structural walls as well as internal finish, thus eliminating the need for internal wet trades and saving time and money.
CLT is a renewable resource; since wood absorbs carbon dioxide, CLT buildings are a welcome form of carbon storage, crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, CLT's thermal and acoustic insulation properties are highly conducive to energy efficiency and modern comfort.
All aspects of the CLT build can be modelled and subsequently machined into the CLT structure, resulting in fully prefabricated builds that reduce onsite waste and streamline the entire construction process.
Why Put Solar on Your Roof ... When Your Whole Roof Can Be Solar?
Don't bother thinking about expensive Tesla tiles ... we have a simpler solution! There are plenty of existing products at affordable prices that can be integrated with our custom-made components. Our innovative roofing solutions employ interlocking photovoltaic (PV) panels that resolve drainage and redundancy issues, provide edge-to-edge flashing, and minimise cost while maximising the building’s all-important aesthetic appeal.
A Stable, Repeatable Footprint Saves Time, Energy ... and Cost
The beginning and most critical stage of the build are slab foundations, a process integral to the longevity of our buildings. Recognizing the complexities and variability of ground conditions, we have adopted a standardised piling method suitable for all ground conditions, reducing earth movement and the quantity of concrete used. Slabs are poured into computer-cut prefabricated insulation templates, specified to zero carbon thermal performance
The initial outlay is greater than some traditional groundwork techniques, yet it offers significant advantages in terms of environmental impact, construction speed, and reduced waste. Piling has considerable cost-saving with respect to reduced ground disturbance and long-term structural benefits for the homeowner. Drains are set-out by 3D hardware to reduce tolerance and align precisely with the next stages of the build. After completing the groundwork, the site is rescanned to check alignments with cloud-based prefabricated components.
Pre-Formed Mechanical and Electrical Installation
Ventilation, pipes, cables, and ducting runs are pre-cut into the structure so onsite alterations are reduced to a minimum, allowing easy installation with pre-quantified kits using push-fit components. Internally, all visual switches, sockets, lighting, vents, etc., also utilise pre-cut interfaces and cable runs.
3D printing is available onsite to manufacture specialised components for junctioning different parts and services.
Consistent Excellence in Our House Design Standards
Our approach to house design adheres to rigorous standards, ensuring each home is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and sustainable. Our house builds outperform the UK building standards, achieving the A and above rating. We prioritise features like toilets on each floor and large glazed facades to maximise natural light, absorb sun heat in winter months and provide solar shading in the summer sun. We favour open-plan, flexible living spaces that adapt to various lifestyle needs. Each home includes a utility area with drying areas or equipment.
In keeping with our commitment to sustainability, we prefer wooden floors over carpets, underlining our dedication to natural materials and easy maintenance. Our heating solutions are future-focused, utilising underfloor heating via ground source heat pumps, and we strictly avoid gas appliances to reduce environmental impact.
Integrating Homes with Natural Resources
When considering a potential site, our designs always accommodate the direction of the sun, optimising roof design for maximum power generation. We constantly consider how a building can symbiotically interact with its natural surroundings. We draw inspiration from historical examples like Venice, with its incredible architecture built over water, and the iconic Fallingwater house, impeccably integrated into a hillside. These examples guide our philosophy in creating homes that exist unobtrusively within their environment, enhancing their surroundings through dramatic presentation and efficient functionality.
Our construction techniques are designed to minimally disrupt the soil. When earth movement is necessary, it is strategically repurposed to enhance the building’s position, views, and insulation. This consideration reflects our deep respect for the landscape and our commitment to environmentally sensitive construction.
Innovative House Types for Varied Landscapes
Our designs include homes with garages at lower levels and patios on rooftops. We embrace the concept of upside-down living, where bedrooms are located on the ground floor and living areas are situated above, maximising views and integrating wholesomely with the landscape.
For homes built into hillsides, we utilise dual-level entrances to create dynamic living spaces that embrace the natural gradient. Our designs also feature advanced PV roof structures at optimal angles, south-facing glazing walls, and patios positioned over utility spaces for maximum efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
Virtual reality
Our latest development features a ground-up virtual reality interface and house planning digital app so our engineers can test house designs before construction begins, and give clients an immersive virtual experience of their new home ... prior to purchase!