Annual Environmental Day in Torbay
Once a year the team at Co Create Architects leaves the studio behind for a day of practical, meaningful work outdoors. Our Annual Environmental Day is a chance to focus on what matters beyond architecture — supporting sustainability, the local environment and our community.
Occombe Farm in Torbay
This year we headed to Occombe Farm in Torbay, managed by the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust. It’s a working farm and nature space that relies on local support. We closed our office for the day and donated our time to help the team on site.
Our main task was building a willow arch — a living structure that will grow over time and create a natural feature for visitors to enjoy. It was a different kind of build from what we’re used to. No drawings, no digital models, just fresh air, muddy hands and a pile of flexible branches. With help from the team at Occombe we learnt how to plant, bend and weave the willow into shape.
Lending a Hand at Occombe Farm
It was tougher than it looked. The ground was dry and hard, the willow didn’t always bend the way we wanted, and we had to adapt as we went. But we worked together, problem solved and built something we’re proud of. The arch will stand as a simple reminder of what we can do when we step outside our normal roles and contribute in a different way.
We also helped with general tasks around the site — clearing paths, tidying beds and doing the small jobs that keep the farm running smoothly. It felt good to be useful, and to support a team that does so much for local wildlife and education.
Environmental Day is part of our wider commitment to sustainable design and responsible practice. We believe architecture is about more than buildings. It’s about people, places and making a positive impact — on and off the drawing board.
Our Community Led Approach
Co Create Architects is a design-led architectural practice based in Devon, with projects spanning Exeter, Plymouth, Torbay and the surrounding areas. We work across residential, commercial and community sectors, always aiming to create spaces that respond thoughtfully to people and place. Days like this help remind us why we do what we do — and who we’re doing it for.
It was also a great team day. Working outdoors, doing something real and physical, helped us reconnect and recharge. No laptops, no emails, just shared effort and a clear goal.
A big thank you to everyone at Occombe Farm for welcoming us and sharing your knowledge. We learnt a lot and really valued the experience. We’re already thinking about next year’s project. Until then, the willow arch will keep growing — and so will our commitment to doing more for the places we live and work in.
