Is Lewes the future of Sustainable Construction? Reflections from Fourth Door’s 'Pioneering the Potential' Micro-Conference

by George Sunderland

Last Friday, I had the privilege of attending the 'Pioneering the Potential' micro-conference organized by Fourth Door Review ( Oliver Lowenstein ) and supported by Lewes District Council , Human Nature , and EURBAN Limited . The event brought together thought leaders and experts from across multiple industries to discuss timber, woodlands, bio-based materials, and ecological construction—a theme that resonates deeply with the work we do at Ash Sakula.

One of the most impactful talks came from Yannig Robert , who presented on the use of straw and bio-based construction in Rosny-sous-Bois. His insights on using school-building initiatives as a proof of concept for bio-based materials were both insightful and practical. By demonstrating that these materials are not only sustainable but also economically viable and safe, the local government set a precedent that will and has already begun to, transform the construction industry in France. Yannig's statement that "we should treat timber like carbon fibre," encapsulates the potential of timber while encouraging us to use it sparingly: Trees grow slowly, but straw, hemp, and other similar materials have a much more efficient growth/harvest cycle.

This conversation aligns perfectly with our ongoing work on The Phoenix project in Lewes, where we are collaborating with Human Nature to create what could be the most sustainable neighborhood in the UK, for the first part of which we were recently awarded a Housing Design Award. Like the projects discussed at the conference, The Phoenix utilizes bio-based materials—solid hempcrete walls, lime plaster, and timber frames—to ensure a convivial, sustainable living environment.

Sebastian Rauch's ideas on ornamentation and design were equally inspiring. He challenged the prevailing modernist minimalism and advocated for the return of colour, tactility, and ornamentation in architecture—totally in line with Ash Sakula's design ethos. Perhaps we need some Karak tiles at The Phoenix!

The afternoon tours of Flimwell Park and Wilderness Woods exhibited the practical applications of bio-based building and innovative design thinking. Seeing panelized timber construction and bio-based insulation in action was a powerful reminder that sustainable building practices are not just theoretical—they are happening right now, in our own communities.

The regeneration of the Phoenix has the potential to make Lewes the UK’s very own Rosny-sous-Bois. To lead by example the renaissance of timber and bio-based construction… The Phoenix is rising, and with it, a new era of ecological construction.