New Cornish Film Examines Housing and Climate Challenges

A new documentary made in Cornwall is taking a close look at one of the UK’s biggest challenges: how to build the homes people need without making the climate and nature crises worse.

Beyond Bricks, the latest film from award winning charity Cornwall Climate Care, explores the environmental cost of modern construction and asks whether there is a better way forward.

A housing problem close to home

Housing is described in the film as a basic human requirement, yet the construction industry remains one of the world’s largest contributors to climate emissions and landfill waste.

This tension is particularly sharp in Cornwall, often referred to as the UK’s capital of second homes. While many properties sit empty for much of the year, thousands of people remain on the housing register.

From high tech homes to nature friendly builds

Presented by Cornish builder Andy Carr, Beyond Bricks examines a wide range of approaches. These include high tech housing solutions, building with new climate friendly materials, rethinking what is considered waste, and ensuring future homes still leave space for nature.

Andy Carr said:
“Over my years working in building I’ve become more and more aware of the environmental impact of the construction industry. As a dad myself, I really want to do my bit to help turn this around.

“I was really happy to get involved with this film so that I could learn more myself and help to spread the word about how we can build in less damaging ways it’s one of the most important things we can do for our children’s future”.

The film takes a solutions focused approach and aims to inspire homeowners and renters alike.

Premiere screenings and expert Q&A sessions

Beyond Bricks premieres at Plaza Cinema in Truro on Thursday 15th January, followed by a second screening at Plymouth Arts Cinema on Thursday 29th January. Both events include a Q&A with expert panellists.

Truro panellists

• Rachael Gaunt, RIBA Architect and Community Enabler

• Chris Weston, Coastline Housing, Cornwall Housing Partnership, NHF Rural Housing Group and Transformation Cornwall

• Emma Fashokun, ESG Strategy Lead at Cornish Gems

• Rob Lacey, Cornwall Council Strategic Planning Policy Manager

Plymouth panellists

• Sarah Lee, RIBA South West Chair and Founder of Future Plymouth 2030

• Dr Steve Goodhew, Professor of Environmental Building at Plymouth University

• Alistair Macpherson, CEO of Plymouth Energy Community and PEC Renewables

Full event details are available on the Cornwall Climate Care website at cornwallclimate.org.

Screenings beyond the cinema

Cornwall Climate Care has also made Beyond Bricks and its other documentaries available for community groups and workplaces to screen for a small licence fee.

Felicity Beckett, Head of Green Agenda at Picturehouse Cinemas, said:
“The Cornwall Climate Care stories are told by everyday people and are everyone’s stories; they are entertaining, full of joy, connection, bravery, beauty and are beacons of hope for us all.”

Beyond Bricks will be the first chance for audiences in Cornwall and beyond to see this new film and take part in a wider conversation about housing, climate and the future of building.