The façades of Nina’s House are entirely covered in cork, a natural ‘skin’ that was chosen due to its excellent insulation performance, and also its inherent beauty and sustainability. The project received the 2025 Environmental Prize in New London Architecture’s (NLA) ‘Don’t Move, Improve!’ initiative, which distinguishes the most innovative refurbishment projects in London. The project is also on the shortlist for the renowned RIBA 2025 architecture awards. Designed by Nina Woodcroft, from the London design studio, Nina+Co, in partnership with ROAR Architects, the project involved refurbishment of a former clergy house next to a church, built in the 1970s. Over the last 40 years, the house served as the home for a Portuguese family, which further reinforces the connection to a classic Portuguese material.
The entire project was designed to be energy efficient, with an emphasis on natural, local or recycled materials. In addition to the exterior cork cladding, the interior walls incorporate cork granules, to reinforce the insulation.
Founded in 2014, the design studio, Nina+Co, bases its practice on the principles of sustainable and ethically responsible design. It applies ‘circular thinking and radical materiality’, in perfect harmony with a 100% natural, recyclable and renewable material such as cork.
Nina Woodcroft explains why she chose this material: ‘Cork forests are biodiverse areas, and a wonderful example of regenerative agriculture that it is well worth supporting. The expanded cork agglomerate used in the insulation includes no synthetic binders - the cooking process activates cork’s natural binders, so it’s a truly natural product, with extremely useful properties.’ The designer also emphasises cork’s tactile qualities and its effect on people’s experience: ‘I feel rooted and connected in this house, because of the natural materials. I feel warmth under my feet. The house is enveloping and calming, offering a small retreat from the hectic world outside’.
