It is reckoned that in the UK, heating houses accounts for nearly 50% of the total energy use. Poor heating can render parts of dwellings virtually unusable, partly through discomfort due to cold and drafts and partly through the damage caused to contents through condensation, dampness, mould growth, etc. effectively reducing the house size [...]
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Although not self built, the two passivhauses at Ebbw Vale may be very relevant to many self builders. Built in 2010 as show houses mainly for the attention of housing associations, they are attractive and innovative while being relatively modest. The 3 bed Larch House is clad with a locally sourced larch rain screen and [...] Bringing existing houses up to a high standard of energy efficiency is a much greater challenge than with new ones. This particular example of eco renovation is outstanding because of the way it will achieve a net zero carbon rating while at the same time reaching CSH level 6. Not only that, it has been [...] The Tree House in Clapham, London is a recently completed and very elegant example of a self built detached house. It has, on occasion, been open to the public as part of the London Open House programme. Situated on a small urban plot of land dominated by a large sycamore tree it has taken [...]
the front of the house with double storey sun space One of the first UK examples of a super low energy Passivhaus has recently been completed at Denby Dale in south Yorkshire. It is interesting in several respects The walls have a stone outer skin, (on the insistence of the planners) 300mm of wall [...] Designed by architect Gokay Deveci. This passive solar house is open plan with the main central living room overlooked by a first floor gallery living area. This allows heat to circulate round the house.
The building has a high thermal mass, superinsulation and is very air tight thus eliminating the need for a [...] Self build eco houses in the Field of Dreams, Findhorn Foundation Over the last decade or so the green building movement in the UK has gone from being fringe to mainstream. Architects, builders and suppliers are falling over each other to declare their green credentials Self builders have something of a tradition of trying [...] Waste water plumbing has traditionally been a fairly simple process using solvent-weld or push-fit PVC pipes and fittings. Due to the problems of PVC as a material it is worth considering using polypropylene (PP) as an alternative. It is now becoming more readily available. It is more easily recycled and can also be easily reused. [...] The main green aspects of a well designed hot water system are: As much of the heat as possible should be from a renewable source such as solar or be reclaimed heat Heat from boilers should be produced as efficiently as possible. Hot water storage should be very well insulated. Although cylinders usually come with [...] |
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