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Rusty railway carriage transformed into eco-friendly space

Rusty railway carriage transformed into eco-friendly space

The project is the work of Newport-based architect Spence Gadsby, 32, who launched handcrafted hut business Tŷ Green in early 2023 after securing a £20,000 Start Up Loan from the British Business Bank.
Mr Gadsby said: "Every project teaches me something new.
"I've gone from constructing moveable huts on wheels to modular garden builds that can be delivered and assembled quickly with workshop-level precision.
"It's all about refining the process while staying true to my sustainability goals."
Mr Gadsby turned the carriage into a warm, energy-efficient living space using natural, breathable materials.
Tŷ Green has completed three major eco-conscious builds so far, with a fourth underway.
Mr Gadsby's passion for sustainability was reinforced by a course at the Centre for Alternative Technology in mid-Wales.
The £20,000 loan allowed him to secure workshop space and materials for his first project.
He uses UK-grown cedar cladding, Welsh sheep wool insulation, and locally milled ash in his designs.
His latest build features 100 per cent wool insulation from Wool Insulation Wales and timber from small sawmills such as Coppice & Crown.
Demand for his bespoke huts is growing, and he now hopes to expand by hiring support and taking on multiple projects at once.
He is also exploring planning permission for an eco-friendly glamping site.
Mr Gadsby said: "The Start Up Loan gave me the foundation to get going.
"It funded my workshop space and the materials for that all-important first build.
"I've not taken on any further funding, but I'm now building a strong reputation for bespoke, sustainable huts that speak for themselves."
Jessica Phillips-Harris, senior manager for Wales at the British Business Bank, said: "Spence is a brilliant example of how Start Up Loans can help turn a big idea into a growing business."
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