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FROMTHEGROUNDUP (FTGU) is an interdisciplinary art and architectural design studio based at Primary in Nottingham. Made up of a core team of William Harvey, Elin Keyser and Jacob Kelly who bring in a range of collaborators for specific projects bringing together a range of experience in architecture, sustainability, art, research and making.

Our projects are carefully considered to be as low impact as possible by using Passivhaus design principles together with low embodied carbon materials, helping to reduce the environmental impacts of construction on the planet. We use participatory design methodologies to co-produce work, which doesn’t always end-up as a building. Agency throughout design stages is shared, a process which fosters a sense of ownership with those who inhabit and use the resulting space. We believe this creates richer and more sustainable projects.

We work at multiple scales from furniture to domestic up to the organisational and institutional. This includes private clients, arts organisations and community groups with whom we seek to create joyful places and spaces for human and more-than-human cultures to thrive in.

FTGU is a not-for-profit worker’s co-op, with shared responsibility and ownership among its members, creating a more ethical working culture. Any profits are reinvested into community projects,  research, art and writing. This allows for explorations into the ethics, philosophies, and the practicalities behind climate change mitigation, material (re)use, and participatory design.



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FROMTHEGROUNDUP STUDIO LIMITED
Registration number: 15478884

SUNSTONES (2025)

A new build timber frame designed to Passiv Haus standards in the Derbyshire Dales. Designed with the clients, one of whom, a builder, has constructed the home himself with the final touches being completed this year.

The house is oriented to the South to maximise solar gain in the winter with overhanging eaves and a veranda to prevent overheating from the high summer sun. The traditional vertical arrangement is flipped with the shared living space on the first floor to take advantage of views down the valley and the spaces vaulted ceiling. Bedrooms are located on the cooler ground floor.

Positioned towards the back of the site to allow views of the garden from the house the ground floor has been pulled out to meet the boundary line on the West side. Its flat roof wraps around the back to join the large attached double garage/workshop and will be finished with Sedum. Parking and turning spaces are at the back.

Super insulated, the house is heated with just a small electric heater and towel radiators in the bathrooms supplied by a large solar photovoltaic array on the roof. A solar themal collector is for hot water production is also due to be added. The house is air tight to reduce heat loss a Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery system provides fresh air. The house is clad in profiled metal and Western red cedar.

Project Team: Jacob Kelly
Client: Private
Location: Derbyshire Dales