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Also, the windows in Norscot eco kit homes have a layer of inert gas and low emissivity glass which serve to keep warm air in during cold weather and retain cool air during summer. Andrew and Elaine Torrance’s new home offers the accessible and comfortable environment they were after and keeps energy bills to a minimum. Warmcell, a cellulose insulation made of recycled paper, provided an eco-friendly way to make the engineered timber frame thermally-efficient. The windows and doors are timber and triple glazed with a powder-coated aluminium cladding, so they require little to no maintenance. Despite the traditional exterior, creating an energy efficient modern home was a top priority for the Searles.
Fewer people recognize the need for passive solar architecture, which helps us to use the heat and light of the sun more directly to reduce the energy requirements of our homes. Constructed with SIPs with high levels of airtightness the house has an air source heat pump to feed the underfloor heating and an MVHR system. Sustainable and environmentally conscious, eco homes are fast becoming a popular consideration for self-builders and renovators alike.
Going green
PREFAB HOMES – This is a modern, flexible build system to provide compact living spaces suitable for modern living needs. We’ve highlighted 3 projects by architects in the UK that have approached sustainability in different ways to serve as inspiration for prospective self-builders. When it comes to building environmentally-conscious homes, there’s a whole world of inspiration out there. However, some of the most dynamic projects can be found right here in the UK.
Not only is the wood used to clad this home sourced from local, sustainable forestries, meaning it has a low carbon footprint, it also acts as a carbon sink. In addition, we are also undertaking bespoke designs to your exact requirements. The Aurora range uses a 140mm Timber Kit System and a wide variety of insulation choices are available. Aurora has many advantages including lower cost, easier to transport and handle on-site than Flex. Neat Living provides Landowners with a bespoke service regarding prospective uses for their land.
Modern Farmhouse Built to Passivhaus Standards
Though not a fully certified Passivhaus, the home’s energy consumption has lived up to expectations. Electricity use has been 10% lower than in the previous house – despite running similar appliances. Gas, hot water and heating costs are projected to be less than £300 for the year, and that’s considering that the couple don’t let the internal temperature drop below a warm 20⁰C. Cameron McQuillian is project manager at Rob Roy Homes, with a focus on sustainability and low-carbon production methods.
Choosing a Cre8ive Eco home means choosing an Eco-friendly home built with sustainable materials that have a low impact on the environment. Wanting to make the most of leftover building materials, scaffolding planks were transformed into raised vegetable beds and a small shipping container was reinvented as the couple’s garden shed. To mitigate heat loss, all the steel is fixed into the timber frame and does not extend outside the insulated envelope.
Listening Station and Watch Room, Beech Architects
This homeowner wanted to build an ultra-efficient, accessible house that would fit in with her long term retirement plans. Note that no substructure or foundations are required with Prefab homes. A virtually limitless number of design configurations means there is an option suitable for everyone’s budget.
A 500-litre water storage tank and solar panel array mean it is a fully off-grid home. It is possible to moor anywhere without requiring access to power. Underfloor heating, double glazing and an insulated hull keep the boat cosy in winter. Passive Haus is an integrated approach to minimising your energy consumption – and this concept is a core part of our eco-friendly home designs.
Our pre-fabricated constructions can be assembled within 3 to 5 days. You can even assemble the building yourself, saving even more on the cost of your building. Share your thoughts with us by tweeting us@granddesignsor post a comment on ourFacebook page.
The couple, who had been living in central Bristol for 40 years, knew Nailsea well. A 657m2 brick-clad farmhouse might not scream sustainability on first glance, but despite its size this impressive dwelling uses relatively little energy. The method creates a sealed envelope, consisting of an insulating foam filled void, around the whole house. This eliminates cold bridges and provides excellent airtightness, allowing it to achieve Passivhaus status. Comprising the inner woody core of the hemp stem and a lime-based binder, hempcrete is a natural, breathable and thermally-resistant material.
For sustainable construction and restoration, as much waste as possible will be removed from landfill sites. Of course, recycled materials can also be used where it is a good idea to do so. Consideration must also be given to the final disposal of materials used at the end of the building’s life. Surprisingly enough, the use and control of water should be one of the main considerations for green-house design. Most eco-designs would implement water-saving measures such as low-flush plumbing and water recycling. Where appropriate, reuse of greywater and even disposal of wastewater in reed beds or other natural filtration systems is recommended.
Rob Roy Homes specialises in the design and manufacture of bespoke timber frame buildings and is an STA Assure Silver Member. The house has triple glazing, underfloor heating, a heat pump and excellent insulation. But adding a 10kW array of solar electric panels, 12kW of storage batteries and LED lighting meant the home achieved its zero-bills aim. Advancements in construction technology, ranging from whole build systems to components such as glazing, mean that the desire to produce a highly energy efficient dwelling no longer curbs your design choices. These may include features such as increasing space for food; storage space for bicycles and even additional features like workshops and home offices that will make it easier to operate and work in a flexible way from home. In a city or highly densely populated area, provision can be made for food production through green roofs, vertical gardens and container growing areas.
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