Design and Health, SEDA at Camphill

For years SEDA (Scottish Ecological Design Association) has held its annual gatherings in remarkable venues, pioneering ecological advances and breakthroughs in sustainable design.

This year’s conference was held at the Phoenix Community Centre in Newton Dee and focused on the relationship of architecture and health.

Keynote speaker Chris Butter shared core ideas of his recent publication “From Passivhouse to healthy house”, an exploration of holistic design approaches.

Delegates had the opportunity to view a number of projects at Camphill Newton Dee Community, amongst them the new Phoenix Community Centre, designed by Lothar Haasis, which won the 2012 civic award.

The sensitive approach to nature integration and use of natural materials has always been a key feature in Camphill architecture, born out of a deep understanding that health in the environment and the buildings is an important factor for health and well-being of the people.