Bankside Open Spaces Trust launches EcoHouse in Ayres Street

The BOST EcoHouse, in Ayres Street close to Red Cross Garden, was opened on Wednesday afternoon by Bermondsey and Old Southwark MP Simon Hughes who was assisted by BOST supporters.

The distinctive timber curved structure is fully insulated with sheep's wool. Its designer Phil Clayton described it as a "woolly jumper". He called the building "high-tech and not just a shed".

"It's an eco building. It's sustainable. It has a green roof you can see and we are going to call it a 'business is green unit'."

Simon Hughes recalled that BOST once occupied a much-loved prefab in Library Street.

"This building has had a difficult birth," said BOST chair Tim Wood standing outside the new office. "But we got through," he added before thanking many organisations and individuals including "amazing neighbours".

Cathedrals ward councillor Adele Morris cut a celebratory cake. Her colleagues David Noakes and Geoffrey Thornton were also present.

"We are really delighted to be moving into our new base of operations," said BOST director Helen Firminger.

"It gives a visual demonstration of BOST's commitment to good design and environmental standards in tandem and will allow us to build even better relations with our local community."

The EcoHouse was designed by Philip Clayden working with his team at SolidArt, Oxford Brookes University's Institute of Sustainable Development, architects White Adamski and engineers Rodrigues Associates.