Mission Statement

Our aim is to increase understanding of the relationships between our living spaces, the environment and the occupier and in so doing promoting the use of appropriate building methods and materials by encouraging tried-and-tested building practices. In the long term we aim to become a recognised authority offering practical and classroom based courses and seminars, as well as consultancy, environmental assessments, empirical testing, information and practical advice and the sourcing and supplying of appropriate materials and services.

Who we are

SENSEhabitat is a French registered non proft-making association founded in 2005 by Douglas Beal and Lawrence Brown, having been very much inspired by attending the MSc Architecture: Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies course run by the University of East London on a residential basis at the Centre for Alternative Technology in Machynlleth, Wales.

Having a combined experience of 30 years in France of domestic building and renovation projects, we aim to make the process of creating our living environment an inclusive process, for those carrying out or organising works, or having work done. If we understand as much of what’s involved as we can, then we can achieve better results in the long and short term, and more than likely save money into the bargain.

Personal profiles

Douglas Beal moved to France in 1992 with the aim of providing a good home for his young family. Having a little building experience, a keen eye for budget and a lot of energy enabled him to convert an empty barn quickly into a comfortable homestead. He is currently completing his seventh renovation project, having dealt with all aspects of the projects himself.

During this time, as a means of funding works, Douglas accrued 12 seasons experience in the summer festival catering industry as a hands-on all-rounder. He also found the time to complete a masters degree in environmental architecture, which, combined with a social sciences background, led him to write a thesis on renovation projects in France carried out by British expatriates.

As well as participating in extra-curricular activities at the local school, he is involved with a couple of local associations promoting renewable energy and environmental maintenance.

  Douglas                                 Lawrence 

Lawrence Brown and his partner moved to France in 1992 looking for a better quality of life. As a competent draughtsman, builder and French-speaker he has integrated exceptionally well both in terms of work and community activity. He is an active member of the parent teacher association at his children’s school and is involved in a community theatre group and an association to promote renewable energy.

Lawrence has taken on work for numerous people over the years in France. As well as building, this has involved organising planning applications, project management and septic tank installations. He is familiar with the engagement of both French and English artisans and has recently started to take on ecological building projects for both French and English clients.

He is currently researching building materials for his MSc in architecture and occasionally acts as a facilitator on the practical elements of their MSc course held at the Centre for Alternative Technology in Wales. He is also employed by a London based structural engineering company as a building consultant.

join us

If you feel you have complimentary skills to contribute to the development of the association, please come and join us - we could do with help in the production of informative literature to accompany the courses, as well as improving and maintaining our exposure to an ever increasing public.

Making this web site more informative (and less dull) would be a good start !

Any input from any standpoint at any stage will be greatly appreciated. Please contact us:

lawrence@sensehabitat.net                                       douglas@sensehabitat.net