I had the privilege last week of visiting Nottingham Architect Julian Marsh’s house in The Meadows. He had opened the house to a group of us – the Shanghai Crew and a group of German Architecture students over here in Nottingham visiting the university.

Julian is a green champion and was the architect who designed the Abel Collins bungalows for me a few years ago.

I had seen his house just as he was completing it – but only from the outside. We had a full tour – and it is amazing!

The house has been a labour of love for Julian and his wife Judy – over a four-year period. It has, as you might expect, some very green credentials. Photovoltaics, a self composting toilet, huge thermal mass slabs (to allow heating and cooling of the structure), rainwater harvesting and ground-source heat pumps all have their place. This is not bling though – it is all very functional and carefully chosen.

What I really liked though was the attention to detail. The small things make the difference – I loved the staircase with its clear vinyl balustrade. The rubber floors and bottle walls are just stunning. The timber clad steelwork is fantastic.

This is a house which is very bespoke – it’s not for everyone, but I admire the individuality. It has the feel in parts of a teenagers bedroom – but very much for adults! I loved the studio elements. And Judy’s art climbing high up the walls. The sun room view out across the embankment allows outdoor living in part.

I loved it – and was really pleased to have had the opportunity to have a look inside. It looks they have lots of visitors!

Julian has long been a champion of The Meadows and has voted with his feet. He has also been the architect on the Blueprint Green Street Housing Scheme – just around the corner.

The only thing I didn’t like? The Corten gate. I have never really got the concept of rusty steel…