A Newport-based architect who turned his passion for sustainable design into a handcrafted hut business is growing steadily, with commissions ranging from a shepherd hut hair salon to repurposing a railway carriage.
Spence Gadsby, 32, founder of Tŷ Green, first launched his eco-buildings business in early 2023 after securing a £20,000 Start Up Loan from the British Business Bank. Since then, he has completed three major projects and is halfway through a fourth, each one bespoke but united by an eco-conscious ethos and high-quality craftsmanship.
After qualifying as an architect four years ago, combined with his life-long experience working on building sites with his dad and on carpentry projects recycling wooden pallets and scaffold boards, Spence was experienced enough to establish a business designing and building commissions himself.
Completing a course at the world-renowned Centre for Alternative Technology in mid-Wales, Spence learnt more about the importance of sustainable building methods. It was here where his passion for the environment and sustainability grew.
Applying for a £20,000 Start Up Loan at the end of 2022, Spence received the funds in early 2023 which enabled him to put a downpayment on the workshop space and buy the initial materials needed to get started on the construction of the first eco hut.
Spence’s sustainable principles remain at the heart of every build, with materials like UK-grown cedar cladding, Welsh sheep wool insulation, and locally milled ash sourced wherever possible. His most recent project includes 100% wool insulation from Wool Insulation Wales and sustainably sourced timber from small sawmills including Coppice & Crown, reflecting his ongoing commitment to local and low-impact materials.
“Every project teaches me something new,” said Spence. “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.”
One standout build came from a community Facebook post, when a local resident contacted Spence about a rusting railway carriage that had been sitting unused in their garden for 15 years. He stripped it back to its metal frame and rebuilt it using natural, breathable materials to bring it back to life as a warm, energy-efficient living space.
With demand growing, Spence’s next goal is to expand his capacity by hiring support to take on multiple projects simultaneously. He’s also exploring planning permissions for a future glamping site – an idea that would combine his eco-builds with immersive nature experiences.
Reflecting on his business journey so far, Spence 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.”
The British Business Bank Start Up Loans programme provides government backed loans of up to £25,000 per individual, up to a maximum of £100,000 per business. In addition to finance, successful applicants receive free mentoring and access to resources 24/7.
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. From one hut to multiple bespoke eco-builds, Tŷ Green is proving how sustainable principles and creative design can offer exciting, low-impact alternatives to traditional spaces.”
