Building a Regenerative Future for the Isle of Man

New Earth Construction was founded in 2021 by Sam Patmore during the Covid pandemic, when travel restrictions kept him on the Isle of Man. With years of experience in the construction industry, he began assembling a small team to take on local projects. What started as a handful of jobs quickly evolved into a company with a bigger purpose.

The name “New Earth” reflects Sam’s vision for housing that actively supports health and wellbeing. Before returning to construction, he spent five years in the health and fitness industry, studying with leading holistic health practitioners. That passion for wellness now informs the company’s approach to creating buildings that promote both physical and mental vitality.

The Isle of Man is at a turning point. The Climate Change Act, net zero commitments, and greener building policies are positive steps, but as Sam explains, “We can do more. Our mission is to offer a truly regenerative approach to construction, creating projects that don’t just reduce harm but actively restore the environment. With our landscapes, glens, mountains, and UNESCO Biosphere status, we should be showing the world what’s possible.”

From the outset, the company’s strength has been its people. Alongside Sam, the leadership team includes Finance Director Richard Simpson, Commercial Director Joe Hourihane, and experienced UK housebuilding directors David Wright and Andy Patmore. The wider team — skilled tradespeople, dedicated labourers, and ambitious apprentices — all play an equally vital role in delivering projects that are functional, sustainable, and life-enhancing.

A Culture Built on Collaboration

New Earth’s ethos is built on the belief that great buildings start with great people. Collaboration, trust, and clear communication are central to how the team works, both internally and with clients.

It is not unusual for members of the finance or admin teams to join site visits, gaining first-hand insight into operations. This cross-team understanding strengthens decision-making and ensures every client interaction is informed by practical knowledge. Skilled tradespeople share techniques, labourers are encouraged to expand their skills, and apprentices are mentored for long-term careers. “We want everyone to feel they’re building something bigger than just the project in front of them,” says Sam.

Our Vision for Ecological & Healthy Housing

Sam’s inspiration for sustainable living was shaped by the Earthship concept pioneered by Michael Reynolds in the 1980s — homes that produce their own energy, manage waste and water, and even grow food on site. “I talk to so many people whose dream is a small home on a field with a small holding. I believe that’s more attainable than most realise,” he says.

Advances in renewable energy, water capture, and sustainable waste treatment make self-sufficient homes more achievable than ever. Combined with natural materials — timber, stone, compressed straw, lime render, earthen floors — these designs can be environmentally responsible and deeply connected to the land.

“Structure dictates function,” says Sam, linking building design to his background in health and fitness. “When our surroundings are designed with care and natural principles, quality of life and our connection to the land improve dramatically.”

This vision aligns with biophilic design, which integrates natural light, organic forms, and connections to the outdoors to support wellbeing. With the right site, New Earth aims to deliver a flagship healthy home project for the Island.

Opportunities & Challenges

The Isle of Man is ready for change, but cost is still a dominant factor. “It has to start with a real need and want at the design stage,” says Sam. “Architects, engineers, and the design team all need to commit early. I think more people are now willing to pay a little more for a cleaner, healthier, and more connected building.”

Sam sees value in Passive House principles but believes they do not address the full building life cycle. “We prefer cradle-to-cradle thinking,” he explains. “That means designing from day one with an eye on how materials can be reused, recycled, or safely returned to the earth.”

This avoids the trap of creating airtight, energy-efficient homes that rely on plastics or polystyrene, which become toxic waste at demolition.

Looking Ahead

New Earth’s ambition is to deliver the Island’s first fully regenerative housing project — generating its own energy, recycling water, managing waste, enabling residents to grow food, and using mostly natural materials. The goal is to restore the land and improve the wellbeing and self-sufficiency of those who live there.

For other businesses, Sam’s advice is clear: “Start small, but start now. Make it part of your DNA from day one. Look for the easy wins — less waste, smarter sourcing, products that last longer. Then build a culture where everyone feels responsible for sustainable choices.”

An Open Invitation

New Earth Construction’s journey is still in its early chapters, but the vision is clear: to create healthier buildings and communities that are kinder to the planet. “We can’t do it alone,” says Sam. “If we work together, the Isle of Man can become a model for sustainable living that others will want to follow.”

The company is seeking opportunities to bring its healthy home concepts to life, from suitable development sites to partnerships with forward-thinking designers and suppliers. The invitation is open to anyone who shares the belief that better buildings mean better lives, and that the Island can lead the way in proving it.