Self Build Homes October 2016

IN THIS ISSUE

TIMB W O OE DRFR BA UM REN E R S

T I M B E R FEATURE

H OME DOORS & WINDOWS

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OCTOBER 2016 £4.25 www.sbhmag.co.uk

WATER DRAINAGE

WINDOWS & DOORS KITCHEN & BATHROOM

TIMBER FEATURE

TOP 10 ECO-FRIENDLY HOMES OCTOBER 2016

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ANTIQUE OAK FLOORING

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OCTOBER 2016

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CONTENTS | OCTOBER 2016

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18 36

44

50 2

28 6

WINDOWS AND DOORS KITCHEN & BATHROOM

18

WOOD BURNING STOVES

HOW MUCH CAN YOU SAVE?

24 INSULATION ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS

28 INSULATION

BIOMASS ROOFING

36 ECO-FRIENDLY LIVING

THE 10 MOST

ENVIRONMENTALLY

FRIENDLY HOMES

44 INNOVATION BRITHDIR MAWR ROUNDHOUSE

50 TIMBER FRAME

ECO TIMBER HOMES

54 WATER

DRAINAGE & WASTE DISPOSAL: PART ONE

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EDITORS WELCOME

WELCOME OCTOBER 2016 Hello and welcome to the October issue of Self Build Homes. This month we have mouth watering array of eco-friendly and sustainable articles to whet your appetite! There are, of course our more usual features on practical self build projects and an incredibly informative article from the HM Governments regulation archives for water and waste disposal, an essential element to consider when planning your self build project, whatever the scale.

We have had the very rare privilege of looking at a somewhat controversial self build project in Wales. Tony Gosling has provided us with a glimpse into the very personal history of 'That Roundhouse' in Brithdir Mawr, Pembrokeshire. A house designed and built by Tony Wrench and his wife Faith. It should certainly get your imagination working in overtime.

So, without further ado and with the greatest pleasure, here is this month's issue of Self Build Homes. See you very soon.

Alex Howard Editor, Self Build Homes

PUBLISHED BY

CPL Media Myrtle Oast, Kemsdale Road, Fostall Faversham, Kent, ME13 9JL Tel: 01227 750153 Website: www.sbhmag.co.uk Publisher: Colin Woolley Publishing email: colin@cplmedia.net

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EDITORIAL

Editor: Alex Howard Email: editor@sbhmag.co.uk Art Director: Matthew Head Designer: Timothy O'Dea Email: design@cplmedia.net

CONTRIBUTORS

SHOW US YOUR SELF BUILD! We want to take a look at your self built homes! If you have recently completed, mid build or at the planning stage of a self build, renovation, conversion or extension, we'd love to speak with you. We would love to take a look at any innovative projects that you feel could take the world by storm.

Call us on 01227 750 153 or email ryan@cplmedia.net with details of your project, we love to offer a reader the chance to feature in the magazine.

Interested to see what you will come through with...

Tony Gosling Alex Morency Alana Busse Jane Marshall Rebecca Rutt

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Although every effort is made to ensure that the content of features in Self Build Homes is accurate and correct, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors, manufacturers or advertisers. No guarantees can be made upon the safe return of any unsolicited copy or photographic images. The publisher reserves the right to alter or amend any submitted material that is printed in Self Build Homes. All material in Self Build Homes is the copyright of the publisher and any reproduction of said material would require written permission from the publisher. © Success Publishing Limited

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WINDOWS & DOORS | KITCHEN & BATHROOM

REMODELLING

KITCHEN & BATHROOM SPACES

This Month we are looking at how to approach remodelling the kitchen and bathroom spaces in your home. Using professional hints and tips could make the difference between having a space that oozes quality and style over one that can potentially seem like living in a nightmare.

Milgard Windows & Doors interviews designer, Alana Busse from Westside Remodeling Design & Build, about how she approaches the subject.

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M

ilgard: How did you get started in the world of design?

Alana Busse: It started when I was in high school. My grandparents had just passed away and their house was put on the market. I went into the home and started rearranging the furniture, playing with the window treatments and adding little cosmetic items to help the home sell. It was the first time I realized how aesthetic changes could also in influence the way people felt within a space.

M: What are the most common design challenges you encounter?

AB: Typically, I see three types of design challenges. First is trying to find a nice balance between the style of the home and client. I design a lot of projects in California and I see 60%-70% stucco homes, varying from Spanish, Ranch style, to Mid-Century Modern. Homeowners come to me trying to identify what style goes best in their home, but also what speaks to their unique personality.

Secondly, aesthetics aside, I also have to address functional needs. Are there kids in the house? Pets? Do the home owners have any physical limitations?

We can certainly create a design similar to what’s shown to me in a magazine photo, but it would most often require adjustments. It’s trying to find the right scale and workflow. For example, instead of double French doors that open outward into a small space, it’s choosing a single sliding French door that doesn’t intrude.

Lastly, there are codes to consider!

Especially in California, there are lots of building codes and energy requirements to work with.

M: What are tips for homeowners who wish to pursue a renovation?

AB: Try to identify what style speaks to you. Reflect on what colors you are drawn to, and photos from magazines or online. Every person describes styles differently, so research can really help clarify goals. Going to manufacturer’s websites and reading reviews is also a valuable tool.

OCTOBER 2016

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WINDOWS & DOORS | KITCHEN & BATHROOM

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M: What is trending right now?

AB: A lot of people who have active lifestyles want low-maintenance materials, such as quartz counter tops.

They don’t want to spend time sealing granite or wiping down grout. A hot trend that is still going strong is the white shaker cabinet door, creamy marble looking counter tops, and 3x6 white subway tiles.

We see funkier hardware and light fixtures to add a pop of interest that can be easily changed in a few years, or when the client decides to sell the home. People are designing toward their own unique style, rather than selecting pre-packaged options for 70% of my clients this will be their forever home. They are also designing for aging in place. Everybody wants drawers for storage, trash cans, spice pull-outs, and not having to bend down to dig stuff out. It’s about making things accessible and organized.

M: How do you select the best window for the kitchen or bathroom?

AB: A lot of times, homeowners don’t replace all their windows at once. They’re likely to change out only the ones in the remodel area, so matching the existing style and working with the new space is OCTOBER 2016

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WINDOWS & DOORS | KITCHEN & BATHROOM important. I think vinyl windows tend to be the best for kitchens and bathrooms with high traffic use. I use Milgard® vinyl windows with white frames a lot because they create a clean look and tend to work with a lot of different styles.

I have also used dark framed Milgard® windows to match existing dark aluminum windows, but the new ones include features such as SunCoatMAX® for upgraded performance. This helps meet energy codes too.

M: What are some tricks to sticking to a budget?

AB: That’s a great question! Homeowners often want to get all the bells and whistles, but don’t realize how quickly costs can add up. Some simple cost savings can be obtained by selecting a cabinet constructed by furniture board instead of plywood boxes. This typically lowers cost by 8%-10%. Also consider choosing a simpler backsplash in order for more money to be allocated toward the counter tops you really love, or vicea-versa.

I would advise homeowners to think carefully about foregoing organizational items. I’m a member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association and recent research showed that the number 1 regret homeowners feel is they didn’t opt for more organizational item such as extra drawers, cutlery dividers and other cabinet accessories that help add function and ease to everyday workflow.

ABOUT THE DESIGNER Alana is a nationally recognized kitchen & bath remodeling specialist, designing projects from London to Los Angeles and working with clients ranging from everyday homeowners to celebrity chefs.

Homes aside, Alana’s experience includes designing for appliance showrooms, as well as working outdoor kitchens for upscale chain stores. She has been selected as a National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) 30 under 30, as well as the NKBA Central Coast and Valley Chapter President for 2016. www.milgard.com www.westsideremodelling.com

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SBh

OCTOBER 2016

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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE | SCOTFAME TIMBER

SCOTFRAME TIMBER ENGINEERING LTD. THE FABRIC OF A BUILDING GIVES SUBSTANCE TO ITS THERMAL PERFORMANCE "Think Fabric First"

T

he better a building’s thermal performance less fuel its occupants will use on a daily basis and the lower its emissions will be. As such the fabric of a building is central to its green credentials.

Increasingly this is becoming a significant factor in the decision making process for all house builders.

Within the past few years, the building standard regulations have been amended to ensure all new properties deliver a 30% cut in the current benchmark for CO2 emissions. The standard will then be reduced again by a further 30% in 2016.

For those looking to build their own house, constructing a property that meets not only today’s standards, but also those of the years to come, has significant benefits in relation to the day-to-day costs of living in the property. A well performing property will also be a lot more attractive to prospective buyers come the time to sell.

Scotframe has embraced this approach to construction and in using the very latest techniques and materials and has brought to the market place an innovative and unique injected PU closed panel timber frame system called Val-U-Therm® Val-U-Therm® panels are factory injected with a high performance PU material, which fills every void, making it exceptionally thermally efficient and virtually airtight and achieves extremely low U values.

In short, the fabric of the building and the way it is put together means homes of this type can be heated up very quickly and retain their temperature for incredibly long periods of time. This reduces their energy needs significantly. This is where our focus should lie, rather than with using renewable energy to make up for poor design and build quality.

When we already have the technology to build houses that deliver excellent energy performances, prioritising this approach will deliver faster and longer lasting results than installing individual renewable energy sources that can provide a portion of a property’s energy needs.

If, over time, we can shrink the amount of energy required by our entire stock of housing, generating that energy from sustainable sources then becomes a much more viable option.

When it comes to reducing CO2 emissions, the substance of the argument resides in the substance of the building and those taking this on board will achieve the biggest improvements.

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Building using our high thermal performance, airtight, closed panel timber frame systems for floors, walls & roofs minimises the requirement for mirco renewable technologies by embracing ‘Fabric First’ principles.

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THERMAL PERFORMANCE

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SPEED OF CONSTRUCTION

Let Scotframe thermally engineer a solution for you.

www.scotframe.co.uk OCTOBER 2016

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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE | McDONALD ENGINEERS UK

McDONALD ENGINEERS UK WHY COPPER THERMAL STORES COULD BE THE MOST EFFECTIVE SOLUTION FOR YOUR SELF BUILD PROJECT

If you are planning to use a solid fuel stove, AGA type cooker or renewable energy, using a thermal store as your hot water storage solution could enable you to dramatically reduce your energy bills.

Thermal stores’ ability to capture both renewable and conventional energy sources, as well as handling multiple sources, can often make it one of the most efficient hot water storage solutions on the market.

The approach reverses the traditional approach to hot water cylinders which uses a coil or immersion to continually heat the stored water which is drawn off on demand. Instead a thermal store uses the heat from the stored water to heat the water passing through the coil at mains pressure.

The additional advantage of a thermal store is that it allows you to enjoy the benefits of mains pressure hot water and space heating with no ongoing maintenance requirement.

COPPER VS STAINLESS STEEL THERMAL STORES But not all thermal stores are the same – in a similar way to assuming all cars achieve the same levels of performance.

Copper thermal stores capitalise on the material’s superior ability to transfer heat quickly and efficiently.

By using specifically designed high performance finned copper coils, therefore maximizing the heat transferred into the store or to the cold water as it is heated instantly.

Copper’s bacteria killing properties also reduces the risk of legionella

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as well as being 100% recyclable for a more environmentally-friendly solution.

In comparison, Stainless Steel cannot transfer the same level of heat to the water passing through the coil and therefore uses an external mechanical heat exchanger and pump system to achieve an acceptable level of hot water. This also removes the ability to have a back-up heat source, increases the potential for greater heat losses and ultimately pushes up running costs.

GETTING THE OPTIMUM THERMAL STORE FOR YOUR PROJECT

Ensuring the right capacity and design of your thermal store and its inputs

WWW.MCDONALD-ENGINEERS.COM

and outputs is key to both avoiding unnecessary running costs for your system and ensuring your hot water requirements are met, especially, when renewable energy sources are used.

This is why our thermal stores use high efficiency finned copper coils, increased insulation and a minimum material thickness of 1mm to ensure the long term running costs and the alternative energy payback are the best on the market.

If space is an issue, you may want to consider the physical dimensions of the unit. McDonald Engineers UK are the only UK manufacturer that can offer their thermal stores as slimline, stumpy or rectangular, meaning you never have to compromise on the optimum capacity.

COPPER THERMAL STORES

HOW TO HEAT YOUR WATER FOR FREE WITH YOUR STOVE

and reduce your heating bills

DISCOVER HOW YOU COULD HEAT YOUR HOME AND YOUR WATER WITH A COPPER THERMAL STORE • Designed to your specific requirements to minimise energy bills • Cylinder, rectangular and slimline thermal stores available • Instant mains pressure water • No annual maintenance or servicing • No risk of legionella • High efficiency finned copper coil as standard to maximise heat transfer and reduce running costs

Call our technical sales team now for your free quotation and see how much you could save with our hot water cylinders

To see how a thermal store works visit www.mcdonald-engineers.com

Queensway Industrial Estate Glenrothes FIFE KY7 5QF T: 01592 611123 | E: sales@mcdonald-engineers.com

www.mcdonald-engineers.com

OCTOBER 2016

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TIMBER FRAME | THE BENEFITS OF TIMBER FRAME

THE BENEFITS OF TIMBER FRAME WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE TIMBER FRAME?

When you consider that the majority of newly built homes are timber frame, it is obvious that there are marked benefits from this type of construction. Countries with wet and harsh climates, like Scotland, Scandinavia, and now Ireland, are increasingly choosing timber frame as the preferred method of building and, in doing so, are reaping the rewards.

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STRUCTURAL DESIGN Each house produced by the timber frame company is custom built and undergoes an extensive structural analysis. This procedure ensures that the highest standards are maintained both in design and manufacture.

SOUND The sound insulation properties of a timber frame house meet all the requirements of current building regulations.

PLANNING All planning authorities accept Timber Frame Homes and process applications for planning permission in the same manner as for other dwellings.

FIRE SAFETY Timber Frame houses meet all the fire standards required under the current Building Regulations.

T I M B E R F R A M E H O M E E N V I R O N M E N TA L LY F R I E N D LY. The structural framework uses quality stress graded softwood timber from managed forests in Ireland, Scandinavia and Canada. The replanting programmers in these forests ensure that there are many more trees to replace those cut down, leaving a net growth in the volume of trees every year, with no cost to the environment. Timber uses at least 20% less energy than other construction materials to bring it to the finished state.

DURABILITY All structural timber members are fully protected. As an additional safeguard the external wall timbers are treated with a preservative. The life-span of a timber Frame Home is the same as that of a masonry home.

ACCURACY With timber Frame, right angles are true and edges are straight, resulting in greater ease in wallpapering, tiling, painting and carpet laying.

D E C O R AT I O N Timber Frame Homes can be decorated immediately without fear of damp staining or unsightly shrinkage cracks.

With increasing fuel costs, its makes sense to choose a timber frame home!

The heat conserving fiberglass insulation used in Timber Frame construction contains no ozone damaging CFCs. Timber Frame Homes are recognized as the most thermally efficient form of building which makes real environmental sense.

APPEARANCE The timber frame structure can be externally clad with block, brick, cement board or timber cladding. Internally it is finished with plaster board and skim, this means that it won't look different in appearance to its masonry counterpart.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY Unlike masonry construction the insulation in a timber frame home is contained inside the inner leaf ensuring that no heat is lost in the blockwork. Timber frame homes are easy to heat, cosy to live in and can result in savings in heating costs of up to 50%.

SPEED OF CONSTRUCTION As all timber frame components are manufactured under factory controlled conditions prior to delivery on site, the timber frame structural shell can be erected and roofed with felt and tiling battens within days. This allows internal and external trades full access to proceed with their work regardless of the weather. The speed of erection reduces the amount of capital tied up in the work, reduces the interest charges and increases profitability. A house can be fully furnished and ready for occupation in weeks rather than months.

OCTOBER 2016

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STOVES & WOOD BURNING FIRES | HOW MUCH CAN YOU SAVE?

WOOD BURNING STOVES HOW MUCH CAN YOU SAVE?

How much can you really save with a wood burning stove or even a biomass boiler? Rebecca Rutt crunches the numbers...

• The Government will pay you for installing some renewable systems • 20% rise in sales of wood burning stoves in the last 12 months • We crunch the numbers to see if these heating systems are worthwhile

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"The demand for wood burning stoves is still strong. The major trend that has emerged over the past few years is the growing popularity of stoves in urban areas"

I

t's been an unseasonably warm winter so far, but with colder weather reportedly on its way, how do you stay warm? More likely than not it's by turning on the central heating.

However, a growing number of people are opting for renewable heating sources instead such as wood burning stoves or biomass boilers.

These claim to not only be good for the environment but also a way to cut the cost of your energy bills, add value to your property and with some you can even get free cashback from the Government.

But are they just a fad or can you make some real savings? We take a look at exactly how much they cost and what the potential savings are.

T H E S AV I N G S O F U S I N G A WOOD BURNING STOVE There has been a big increase in sales of wood burning stoves, both for adding character to a home, adding value to your property - some experts say they could add 5 per cent - and as a way to cut down on pricey energy bills.

burning stoves installed over the last seven years by its installers.

Paul Chesney, managing director of the firm, said: 'The demand for wood burning stoves is still strong. The major trend that has emerged over the past few years is the growing popularity of stoves in urban areas.'

In the past these kinds of stoves were mainly sold in rural areas but Chesney says they've seen a rise in sales in towns and cities.

Paul adds: 'A stove is a highly efficient source of heat – delivering in excess of 80 per cent efficiency in many cases. The current generation of stoves are clean and very easy to use and control.'

HOW MUCH DOES A STOVE COST? Can you really save compared to the installation costs?

There are three main elements you'll need to pay out for - the stove itself, the installation and the fuel.

Wood burning stove provider, Chesney's, says there was a 20 per cent rise in its sales last year despite the unseasonably mild weather in the UK.

Stoves come in a huge variety of models and on average basic stoves cost between £500 and £1,500. On top of this the average installation is £1,500 which should include sweeping and lining the chimney.

Whereas HETAS - the official government body for approving domestic heating fuels, appliances and services says there has been more than a 60 per cent increase in the number of wood

Dennis Milligan, spokesperson for the Stove Industry Alliance, says there's no straightforward way to show the savings made with a wood burning stove and the main cost saving comes from the way in OCTOBER 2016

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STOVES & WOOD BURNING FIRES | HOW MUCH CAN YOU SAVE?

"Yes, this woodburner has cost me a small fortune. Even if it knocks a third off my fuel bills, it will take a decade to pay for itself" which people use them.

respectively.

This is because of the huge variation in the price of wood. The cheapest option is to get it freshly cut while the most expensive is kiln dried and some people will get it for free if they use their own trees.

Although Richard Kay, spokesperson for the Energy Saving Trust, says: 'In general, if a home has a mains gas connection, a gas central heating system is usually the cheapest heating system.

The wood you put into the stove needs to be dry in order for it to work properly.

Freshly cut wood contains a high level of moisture, around 65-90 per cent depending on the species, and experts recommend leaving it for at least a year but preferable two - until you use it.

You can do this at home if you have the space, but if you want to burn the wood straight away then kiln dried wood is recommended with an average moisture content of below 25 per cent.

Milligan says kiln-dried wood produces an average of 4.5 kW per kg whereas freshly cut wood produces between 1 and 3 kW per kg. When compared to non-standard heating systems there are savings to be had.

Milligan says a wood burning stove is 77 per cent cheaper to run than an electric fire, 29 per cent cheaper per kW than a gas effect fire, and 43 per cent and 40 per cent cheaper than an oil and LPG fire 20

'For off-gas properties, biomass boilers can give cost savings (depending on what boiler/system you're replacing). Small wood-burning stoves usually wouldn't be suitable for heating a house.'

Toby Walne, from the Mail on Sunday's personal finance team, invested in a wood burning stove last year and points out that extras - such as a chainsaw, axe and outdoor storage area - can push up the cost and that the overall savings will take a while to kick in.

He says: 'Yes, this woodburner has cost me a small fortune. Even if it knocks a third off my fuel bills, it will take a decade to pay for itself.'

Renewable Heat Incentive - before buying.

swept once a year, which typically costs between £40 and £60.

CAN A WOOD BURNING STOVE OR A BIOMASS BOILER HEAT MY ENTIRE HOME? While the cost of wood or pellets is a lot less than the cost of gas, wood burning stoves are designed to heat the room they're in so if you want to heat your whole house you'll need more than one.

HOW MUCH CAN YOU SAVE WITH A BIOMASS BOILER OR BURNER? A biomass boiler works like a standard gas or oil boiler but burns wood pellets or logs to create heat.

The costs vary depending on the model you've chosen but they are significantly more than for a wood burning stove or traditional boiler.

For a biomass stove you're likely to pay around £4,300 including installation while a biomass boiler costs between £9,000 and £21,000 including installation.

The amount you pay for the pellets depends on the size and method of delivery.

The more you buy, the less you'll pay, and it costs around £230 per tonne in most parts of the UK but you need to have the room to store them.

If you use logs instead it may be cheaper but it all depends on the wood suppliers in your local area, as they cost a lot to transport.

Again, if you've got room to store the wood it will be cheaper to buy in bulk.

In order to work safely and efficiently you'll also need to get your chimney

This means it's hard to work out how much you could save as it all depends on the size of your home, the weather outside, the fuel you're using and the model of burner you've bought.

On top of this the stove is just going to provide heat, so if you want your water hot too you'll need to install what's called a back boiler.

This is fitted to the back of a fireplace or stove and can heat the water for your entire home.

However, if it's a wood burning stove, it's unlikely you'll be able to program the boiler to come on when you're out (you can do this with some pellet-fed stoves), it can be hard to control the temperature levels and in the summer you might not want to light a fire in order to get hot water.

It is possible to connect these heating systems to other renewable energy sources, such as a thermal store which can regulate the temperature, a conventional boiler which can run your heating when the fire isn't lit or a solar water heating system which can provider energy in the summer months.

Another alternative to a wood burning or biomass stove and a back boiler is a biomass boiler. These are relatively similar to traditional gas boilers and can heat your home and water on a timer.

However, as mentioned above, the cost for a biomass boiler is substantial and far higher than a traditional boiler.

FREE GOVERNMENT CASH IF YOU INSTALL A RENEWABLE HEATING SYSTEM Wood burning stoves may be the latest fad, but there's a whole host of other heating systems available and with some you'll even be paid cash by the government for installing them.

If you have any of the following; biomass boilers, a biomass stove with a back boiler, solar water heating or some heat pumps or are thinking about installing one of them you may be able to get money off your energy bills with the Renewable Heat Incentive, launched in April 2014.

The amount of money you get depends on the heating system you have and the amount of energy it produces but on average you could get payments of around £1,245-£1,880 a year (for a fourbed detached house) with a biomass boiler.

It's available to those in England, Scotland and Wales (there's a separate scheme for those in Northern Ireland) It's aimed at households which aren't on the gas grid but anyone with an eligible heating system can apply.

To find out the potential savings, there's a calculator on the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC)'s website.

Anyone can apply as long as you own your house or you're a private landlord.

There's a registration form on Ofgem's website.

A spokesperson for the Department of Energy and Climate Change said: 'Reforming how we use energy for heating is critical to achieving secure, affordable and clean energy for hardworking families and businesses across the UK, which is why the government has committed to a cost effective Renewable Heat Incentive for the next five years.'

George Osborne announced in the last Autumn Statement that the RHI would remain open until 2020/21.

Therefore, it's worth weighing up the initial upfront costs with the potential savings - including any cashback you may be able to get from the government's OCTOBER 2016

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OPEN FIREPLACES | 7 BENEFITS OF HAVING AN OPEN FIREPLACE

7 BENEFITS OF HAVING A FIREPLACE IN YOUR HOME Fireplaces are favorite amenities that most buyers consider a plus when searching for a new home. These creature comforts add an extra touch of architectural vitality to a house, inside and out. There are plenty of great benefits to having a fireplace in your home, and here are seven of them:

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1 — COSY FIRES No other type of heating appliance offers the kind of cosy warmth that you can only get from a fire. Whether you have an open hearth, a fireplace insert, a wood stove, or a pellet stove, you can watch the fire dancing as the outside cold melts away. Fireplaces offer a cheerful place to gather around crackling flames with family and friends, to pull up in a favorite chair and read a good book, and enjoy countless other favorite indoor activities.

2 — A ROMANTIC SETTING Sitting in front of a fire with the person you love, perhaps sipping wine, can be very romantic. Few features in the home offer an instant potentially dreamy escape, like a fireplace. Parents who have trouble finding a babysitter can enjoy a romantic fireside atmosphere, without having to go anywhere.

3 — WARMTH WHEN THE ELECTRICITY IS OUT When the worst kinds of winter storms hit, electricity is often knocked out. If you have a fireplace, you can still keep warm and have plenty of light. People without fireplaces are freezing cold and waiting for the utility company to restore power.

4 – FIRE FOR COOKING If you have a wood burning stove, you have the added benefit of being able to cook on it. Save money on your utility bill by heating your soup or coffee on the stove as the fire warms your home. Whenever the electricity is out in any season, meals won’t be a problem, since you can still cook. Even with an open hearth fireplace, you can roast marshmallows and hot dogs on sticks.

5 – E C O - F R I E N D LY H E AT I N G Today’s wood burning appliances are incredibly efficient, producing plenty of heat to warm your home, meaning you can use less of the fossil-fueled energy supply. Some of the latest models even make it possible to distribute the heat from the appliance throughout the home using existing ductwork. In addition, when you burn wood, you are using a source that has a zero carbon footprint. Some topof-the-line wood burning appliances produce such a small amount of emissions, they qualify as smokeless heat sources. Wood is a sustainable energy source, unlike fossil fuels.

6 – CUT ENERGY COSTS As electricity costs continue to climb, fireplaces are becoming a popular primary heating source. It costs less to purchase firewood for your efficient wood burning appliance than to heat your home using utilities that depend on fossil fuels.

7 – ENERGY INDEPENDENCE Fireplaces provide an opportunity to be less dependent upon utility companies. You can take responsibility over your own fuel source, including how much you pay, due to various options as far as where and how to obtain firewood. If you own a lot of heavily wooded property, you may even have an endless supply of free firewood.

As wonderful as fireplaces are, they can also be fire hazards. An important safety measure is to have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional chimney sweep every year. Contact us today so that you can enjoy all the great benefits of your fireplace without worry.

OCTOBER 2016 23

INSULATION | ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS

SUSTAINABLE INSULATION There are many products available on the market for insulating your home. This month we look at some of the products available that are both eco-friendly and sustainable. Jane Marshall from sustainablebuild.co.uk examines the benefits of natural insulation materials.

I

nsulation is a key component of sustainable building design. A well insulated home reduces energy bills by keeping warm in the winter and cool in the summer, and this in turn cuts down carbon emissions linked to global climate change.

In terms of energy efficiency, investing in high levels of insulation materials for your home is more cost-effective than investing in expensive heating technologies. It is worth taking the time to choose the right materials in the context of whole building design.

"Unfortunately, natural insulation materials are currently up to four times more expensive than conventional materials" Insulation materials are used in roofs, walls and floors. Solid wall structures such as stone, cob and adobe cannot be insulated, but they have good thermal mass to compensate.

Timber frame homes need wall insulation in the form of batts (pre-cut sections that are designed to fit between stud walls), rolls or boards. Other types of construction such as brick or concrete insulate with spray foam, loose fill or rolls.

It is far easier and cheaper to install insulation in the walls and floors of a new build home, than to retrofit an existing home. However, insulating roofs is easily achieved in any home using rolls or bags of loose fill.

Insulation materials work by resisting heat flow, measured by an R-value (the higher the R-value, the greater the 24

insulation). This R-value varies according to material type, density and thickness, and is affected by thermal bridging, unwanted heat flow that occurs at joists, studs and rafter beams.

C O N V E N T I O N A L I N S U L AT I O N Conventional insulation materials are made from petrochemicals and include: fibreglass, mineral wool, polystyrene, polyurethane foam, and multi-foils.

These materials are widely used because not only are they inexpensive to buy and install, but there is an assumption from the building industry that their performance ability is higher than the natural alternatives. On the downside, almost all conventional insulation materials contain a wide range of chemical fire retardants, adhesives and other additives, and the embodied energy in the manufacturing process is very high.

N AT U R A L I N S U L AT I O N M AT E R I A L S The green alternative to synthetic insulation is natural insulation. There are many different types available, including: SHEEP'S WOOL This material usually needs to be treated with chemicals to prevent mite infestation and reduce fire risk, although some natural builders use it untreated with success. It has very low embodied energy (unless it is imported) and performs exceptionally well as an insulation material. Thermafleece is the most common commercial brand available.

OCTOBER 2016 25

INSULATION | ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS WOOD FIBRE Made from wood chips that have been compressed into boards or batts using water or natural resins as a binder. It has very low embodied energy and uses by-products from the forestry industry.

Examples include: Pavatex, Thermowall and Homatherm.

FLAX AND HEMP Natural plant fibres that are available in batts and rolls, and typically contain borates that act as a fungicide, insecticide and fire retardant. Potato starch is added to flax as a binder. Both materials have low embodied energy and are often combined in the same product. Examples include Isonat and Flax 100.

EXPANDED CLAY AGGREGATE These are small fired clay pellets that expand at very high temperatures to become lightweight, porous and weightbearing. They can be used in foundations as both an insulator and aggregate.

They have excellent thermal insulation properties, but high embodied energy.

CELLULOSE A recycled product made from newsprint and other cellulose fibre. It is one of the most favoured materials of natural builders because it can be blown into cavity walls, floors and roofs; used as a loose fill; and is also available in quilts, boards and batts. Like hemp and flax it contains borate as an additive. Products include: Warmcell and Ecocel.

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I N S U L AT I N G F O R A BETTER ENVIRONMENT Natural insulation products have many advantages over conventional materials.

They are low impact, made from renewable, organic resources and have low embodied energy. They can be reused and recycled, and are fully biodegradable.

They are non-toxic, allergen-free and can be safely handled and installed. They also allow for a buildings to breathe by regulating humidity through their absorbent properties, and reducing problems of condensation. This keeps the indoor environment comfortable and

protects any timber structures from rot.

Unfortunately, natural insulation materials are currently up to four times more expensive than conventional materials, which can be prohibitive to builders, architects and developers. But the environmental and health benefits of natural insulation materials far outweigh their costs, and growing consumer demand combined with government regulation, and rising oil prices will inevitably drive prices down. Despite the high price, natural insulation is an energy-efficient, healthy and sustainable choice for a better indoor and outdoor environment.

Timber Cladding

Timber Cladding Specialists Millworks supply specialist timber cladding, decking & contemporary fencing.

Millworks timber provides an attractive, durable and sustainable finish to any building project.

Western Red Cedar, Siberian Larch, Thermowood® and Yellow Balau is manufactured from our Mill based in Cambridge to our clients specification.

An extensive range of fixings and finishes are available to enhance and protect.

Millworks are experts in advising the correct materials, ensuring every project looks fantastic and performs perfectly.

t: +44(0) 12 2396 7733 e: info@millworks.co.uk w: millworks.co.uk OCTOBER 2016 27

INSULATION | BIOMASS ROOFING

BIOMASS ROOFING Eco-friendly materials are the obvious choice for sustainable self build projects. However, you can take this one stage further with biomass roofing, a living roof comprising of plants, grasses and succulents, some of which can be harvested as a renewable food crop.

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B

iomass roofing is the use of plant materials to build roofs.

People from around the world have always used whatever vegetation was locally available and abundant to build their roofs. This cultural and environmental diversity has led to a wide range of roofing materials and styles, from the simple and ephemeral to the more durable and complex.

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF BIOMASS ROOFING Although hundreds of different plants have been used to roof houses, these can be classified into two main types: thatch and wood tiles.

T H AT C H Thatch is one of the oldest forms of roofing, dating back thousands of years.

It is found in almost every country, from savannah grasses in Africa to coconut palm fronds in the Caribbean to banana leaves in the Amazon. It was the predominant roofing material in Britain up until the 19th Century and thatched cottages remain a hallmark of the English Countryside.

All sorts of plants have been used for thatching in Britain: oats, reeds, broom, heather, bracken and various grasses.

But today only three main thatching materials are used: water reed, wheat reed and long straw.

of thatch is around 30 to 50 years, although this varies widely depending on the skill of the thatcher, the pitch of the roof, the local climate conditions and the quality of the materials.

The technique for thatching is basically the same for all materials: first the thatch is fastened together in bundles about 25 inches in diameter. Each bundle is then laid down with the butt end facing outwards, secured together to the roof beams, and pegged in place with wooden rods. Successive layers are added on top of each other, working from the bottom of the roof up towards the top, with a final layer used to reinforce the ridgeline.

Thatch roofs can withstand high winds and heavy rains, provide good thermal insulation and are easy to repair. Thatch is light and needs only a simple support structure, and is flexible so can be used for any roof shape. On the downside, thatching is labour intensive and a certain level of skill is required.

The materials can be expensive as reeds are increasingly imported from Europe to keep up with demand.

Like all biomass materials, thatch is flammable which means that building restrictions may apply and home insurance can be high.

Water Reed is the most popular thatching material. Both water reed and wheat reed (actually a straw but cut with a binder and combed to give the appearance of reed) give a compact and even texture when applied to a roof. This is in contrast with long straw (wheat straw that has been threshed so that the ears and butts are mixed up together), which gives a shaggy, rounded appearance. The lifespan OCTOBER 2016 29

INSULATION | BIOMASS ROOFING

WOOD TILES: SHINGLES AND SHAKES Wood tiles have been used for roofs since medieval times in Britain. They are traditionally made by hand-splitting logs into small wedge shaped pieces, but today most are manufactured by machine.

There are two basic types: shingles, which are sawn, and shakes, which are split. Shakes are thicker and have a more rustic, rough look, whilst shingles are thinner and smoother. Both come in a variety of lengths and are made from the heartwood of unseasoned wood.

Hardwood is best, with cedar being the most popular, although any straightgrained wood can be used. Split bamboo can also be used to create Spanish-style tiles, and are popular in some countries, but bamboo has the disadvantage of decaying fast in wet conditions unless chemically treated.

Wood tiles are laid from the bottom of the roof to the top, with each row overlapping the previous one. A cap is placed at the roof ridge. Typically, tiles are nailed onto wood strips spaced a few inches apart between the roof beams, to allow air to circulate and prevent decay.

Wood tiles last between 25 - 50 years.

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Like thatch, they give good insulation and are flexible so can cover any roof shape. They are highly resistant to wind, heavy snow and hail, but must be regularly cleaned of vegetative debris.

They are also flammable, and building regulations may prohibit their use in urban areas.

IS BIOMASS ROOFING S U S TA I N A B L E ?

The recognised need to use renewable resources has led to a revival of traditional, natural building methods, along with a growing market for biomass roofing. Thatch and wood tiles are not only aesthetically appealing, but are durable and biodegradable. But their sustainability value is diminished if the materials have been imported or produced and treated with chemicals.

Biomass roofing is only a true sustainable solution if the materials are obtained from a local, renewable source, and are grown, harvested and manufactured in an environmentally sensitive way.

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PROFESSIONAL FINISH FOR VENEER

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Suppliers of British grown timber products As one of Britain’s largest hardwood sawmills, we offer a range of sustainable timber products including: • Structural oak beams • Oak, sweet chestnut & cedar cladding • Solid English hardwood flooring • Naturally durable timber decking Please visit our website for the full range.

Vastern Timber Wootton Bassett Wiltshire T 01793 853 281 E sales@vastern.co.uk Studley, Wiltshire T 01249 813 173

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We have thirty years of experience providing outstanding double glazed wooden windows and door fixtures for homes (new & old) as well as listed buildings.

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OCTOBER 2016

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INSULATION | BIOMASS ROOFING

A GREEN ROOF Plants have been used on roofs for thousands of years, from sod roofs in Europe to the hanging gardens of Babylon.

But in the last 50 years this practice has evolved into what are now called green roofs, living roofs or eco-roofs.

Green roofs are those that have been planted with specific vegetation using a well-researched sustainable design methodology. They are an exciting new development in the sustainable building movement, and are gaining in popularity across the world.

While there is no standard classification for green roofs, they can be divided into two basic types:

TYPES OF GREEN ROOF

• Extensive Living Roofs - these incorporate low-lying plants from 2 to 6 inches high. They require only a few inches of soil to support them, and only need a low weight-loading roof. They are low maintenance and can be used for any kind of roof, including sheds, garages, houses, balconies, extensions and outhouses, and also commercial buildings.

• Intensive Living Roofs - these incorporate plants from between 1 to 15 feet high, including shrubs and trees. They require deep levels of soil to support them and a weight-loading roof.

They support a high level of plant and wildlife diversity, but require ongoing maintenance and extensive irrigation. They are not suitable for most domestic buildings.

Both types of green roofs can be used for flat or pitched roof construction.

Flat roofs are the most common and the easiest to establish and maintain, but green roofs can have a pitch up to 45 degrees. With sloped roofs, there are design issues affecting drainage and soil loss that need to be carefully considered.

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HOW TO CONSTRUCT A GREEN ROOF A green roof system consists of layers that mimic natural processes and also protect the building and roof. The basic components are: a waterproof layer, root repellent membrane, filter cloth (to allow water to drain but prevent soil escaping), moisture blanket (to ensure enough water retention for plant life), drainage system (to drain excess water), soil substrate, seeds and plants. The soil is the growing medium and should be lightweight and free draining, but also be able to hold enough moisture for the plants to survive. Recycled aggregates such as crushed porous brick are often used in the soil substrate, with the added benefit of increasing its sustainability index.

Plants suitable for extensive green roofs are low growing, rapid spreading, drought-tolerant, have a fibrous root system (to protect roof membranes), low irrigation and nutrient requirements, low maintenance requirements, use native species, and are allergen-free.

Short perennials, wildflowers and succulents such as sedum (stonecrop) are commonly used. To help cut down on planting time, impregnated sedum and wildflower mats are now commercially available. These can be rolled out directly onto the soil.

Living roofs can be designed to grow native plants that might otherwise become endangered, and to encourage a wide range of important wildlife including insect species such as butterflies, bees and beetles, and local birds.

BENEFITS OF GREEN ROOFS There are a number of social, economic and environmental benefits to green roofs, including: • Increasing home energy efficiency cooling in summer, insulation in winter • Filtering and cleaning toxins from both air and water • Reducing carbon dioxide emissions • Retaining rainwater before it evaporates, reducing the likelihood of flooding • Reducing urban temperatures and associated smog • Insulating against sound and noise • Preserving and enhancing biodiversity • Providing aesthetic appeal and 'green space' recreational opportunities • Using recycled materials like aggregates and plastic sheet THE MOVEMENT TO GREEN ROOFS Green roofs are a relatively new sector in the construction industry, but have become a widespread feature across Europe. They are most common in Germany, where over 10% of houses now

have green roofs, and the industry is growing at 10-15% each year. Because of their environmental benefits, some European countries like Germany have integrated green roofing into their regulations, and many others provide subsidies and incentives to encourage their development and maintenance.

In the UK there has been a lack of government support and guidance on living roofs, which has hindered their uptake. However, green roofs directly address the UK's Sustainable Development agenda and this situation is likely to change as new policies and standards are developed to support their design and construction. Green roofs are set to become an increasingly important option for builders and planners, turning dead and dull places into green, living spaces.

---------------------------------------------For more information: www.sustainablebuild.co.uk

OCTOBER 2016 33

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE | YORKSHIRE TIMBER

YORKSHIRE TIMBER ENGINEERING LTD Leaders in Engineered Timber Frame Solutions Whether it is a single story house or a six story apartment block, using our products greatly reduces the time required to complete the internal shell by up to 50% compared to traditional brick and block methods of construction. With quicker build times, increased logistical efficiencies and greater cost controls, an increasing number of developers are switching on to our Timber Frame solutions.

WHY CHOOSE US.

We provide a second to none service and have operated extensively with clients from regional house builders and architects to individuals working on one off self-builds and extensions.

In fact, 95% of our business comes from repeat customers and through recommendations received from them.

Our Services include consultations, design concepts, the provision of materials and onsite deliveries, ensuring customers receive support as well as quality results throughout the whole process. One of our unique selling points is that we can offer customers a full site survey, even conducting a site measure if required liaising with our customers from the very beginning right through to the finish, offering bespoke kits to suit their individual needs.

DELIVERY STRAIGHT TO SITE Our logistics team won't let you down.

We know how critical time is when it comes to project managing a build so we ensure and guarantee that when we say your components will be on site, you can assure they will be. From placing an order to delivering direct to site you can be sure we will keep our promises.

01482 861 213 www.yorkshiretimbereng.com info@yorkshiretimbereng.co.uk 34

ECOJOIST®

The Eco-Joist system which combines timber and nail plated steel webs that has integral voids that allow simple passage of all service ducting, wiring and plumbing.

PRECISION MADE

Using the latest 3D Gang Nail® design software, we can show customers visualisations of the design proposal.

TIMBER FRAME

Manufactured in our purpose built factory, we manufacture high quality, defect free internal shells that meet the highest quality in both thermal and acoustic requirements

COST CERTAINTY

Our Timber Frame System can be erected in virtually all weathers and temperatures thereby providing great time control and cost certainty.

ROOF TRUSS®

A fully engineered roof package with quick on site construction plus lower labour costs using pre-fabricated components for a wide variety of building profiles.

DELIVERED DIRECT TO SITE

From placing an order to delivering direct to site. Our logistics team won't let you down.

OCTOBER 2016 35

ECO-FRIENDLY LIVING | THE 10 MOST ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY HOMES

ECO-FRIENDLY LIVING THE 10 MOST ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY HOMES

T

he cost of a house can be counted in dollars, but the construction and running of a house takes a toll on the environment that's harder to measure. Increasing numbers of people are looking to minimize both environmental impact and financial outlay by outfitting their homes with sustainable technology, and the resulting boom in sustainable building is driving new levels of architectural innovation.

Alex Morency at Complex has compiled some of the greenest homes in the world. Please read, enjoy, and get inspired. And just to clarify, "green" homes are houses that have passed the LEED for Homes green building certification program, NOT houses that are colored green.

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DOME HOME

Each dome weighs 80kg and takes seven days to build when working with 3-4 people (reducing waste and labor costs). Additionally, the casting of expanded polystyrene is extremely clean because polystyrene is made up of hydrogen and carbon. Dome homes are popular in Japan, where living simply has been modified to an art form.

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DE MARIA DESIGN

REDONDO BEACH HOUSE.

It's hard to tell, but this beach property was built from eight recycled steel shipping containers. Not only is this more ecofriendly, the home is also resistant to mold, fire, and termites. Sounds like a sweet deal. Additionally, 70% of the home was assembled in a shop, saving both time and money.

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3

ROTHSTEIN- MECKLER HOUSE Not only did this house win a LEED platinum rating, it also received and Energy Star rating as well as an indoor airPLUS certification.

The Rothstein-Meckler House is 42% more energy efficient than your average 2006 home, and it perfectly combines sustainability with style.

4

CRAWFORD WINTER WHITE HOUSE

The With 25,000 gallons of rainwater stored and a geothermal heat pump in a central closet, former President George Bush's home makes our Greenest Homes list. The pump doesn't use any fossil fuels and it consumes only one quarter of the energy needed for a conventional heating/cooling system.

Additionally, the stones used for the exterior of the house were found in a scrapyard and waste water from the home goes through an underground purifying tank and then into the cistern.

OCTOBER 2016 37

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ECO-FRIENDLY LIVING | THE 10 MOST ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY HOMES

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TREE HOME

Ignatov Architects designed this home in Varna, Bulgaria with the goal of creating a free standing, tree like space. Working with this nature theme, it only makes sense that the home is environmentally friendly as well - Glazed facades and solar panels utilize sunlight, reversed roof channels use rainwater for irrigation, multilayered veneers provide insulation, and a multifunctional vertical core distributes these utilities in an energy efficient way.

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SANTA FE HOME

Built by Overland Partners Architects of San Antonio, Texas, this home sports roof gardens irrigated by rainwater, a gray-water system that filters and recirculates water from showers and sinks to underground cisterns, and of course, solar panels. Additionally, native drought tolerant plants and artificial turf using recycled tired decorate the yards. In case this isn't obvious, this home also received a platinum LEED rating.

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7

THE ECOPOD

Made from a shipping container, this home uses recycled materials in every aspect. The floors are made from recycled car tires, the walls use birch paneling (over closed-cell soya foam insulation), and the glass windows are double paned to slow heat transfer. A solar powered electric winch is even used to lower/raise the deck door.

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LIVINGHOMES

Entrepreneur Steve Glenn's Santa Monica home is the first to be given platinum status from LEED rating system. He saves an average of $1,500 per year on utility bills and while painting the home, Glenn used paints that gives off no volatile organic compounds.

OCTOBER 2016 39

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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE | BIRD BRICK HOUSE

BIRD BRICK HOUSE INNOVATION IN NESTING SITES The Bird Brick House is an innovative product that provides permanent nesting sites and wildlife enclosures as an integral part of a building.

T

he genesis of Bird Brick Houses can be traced back to 2001, when Duncan McCutchan (co-founder along with his wife Jenny) while rebuilding his parents’ home, incorporated nest holes in the flintwork walls. The nest holes were an immediate success, with birds proving keen to take up residence.

Duncan and Jenny’s farming background, passion for wildlife and the countryside, allied to Duncan’s building expertise (he still runs a longstanding building business alongside Bird Brick Houses), created the perfect synergy for taking this early, somewhat niche success and developing it for far wider use in brick walls. Brickwork presents entirely different issues when incorporating nesting boxes, but the realisation dawned that if a design could be found for an integral solution, the wildlife benefits would be endless, given the prevalence of brick usage in construction.

During 2002, when not working on building projects or installing and monitoring barn owl boxes in East Sussex, Duncan started work on a prototype bird brick house, which then collected dust on the bedroom floor for 6 years. No progress was made until 2008, which saw Duncan working on a barn conversion to be featured in the TV programme Restoration Man. He incorporated a nest hole in the structure and the subsequent airing of the show, in March 2010, gave him the impetus to see the bird brick house idea through to fruition. After much trial and error, the design and the mould were finalised during 2012.

In 2013 Bird Brick Houses was formed and the first bird boxes were produced. The fledgling company constructed a stand for the Ecobuild 2014 exhibition at the Excel Centre, London. Duncan and Jenny were astounded by the extraordinary level of interest; Bird Brick Houses carried off two significant show awards and numerous other awards have followed.

Contact: T:01323 488732 M: 07976 535650 enquiries@birdbrickhouses.co.uk

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The Bird Brick House is an innovative product that provides permanent nesting sites and wildlife enclosures as an integral part of a building.

Bird Brick Houses Ltd. The Old Parlour, Wilbees Farm, Arlington Nr Polegate East Sussex BN26 6RU United Kingdom T: 01323 488732 M:Â 07976 535650 OCTOBER 2016

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enquiries@birdbrickhouses.co.uk

ECO-FRIENDLY LIVING | THE 10 MOST ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY HOMES

9

WIS TAVERN

Located in Chicago, the Wis Tavern was the first gold certified LEED-H home in Illinois. Comprised of day lighting, a green roof with solar panels, energy efficient appliances, a geothermal heating/ cooling system and (get ready for this) recycled glass terrazzo floors made by using blenderised chunks of old vinyl records. Additionally, 92% of the waste created during the building process was recycled.

10

ISEAMI HOME.

Site, climate, energy, water, materials, environment, atmosphere, cost, and innovation are all important elements of the Iseami house. Thermal panels were used because of their solar reflectance index and local materials were used to minimize transportation costs and the carbon footprint.

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Lighting | Controls | Electrical Accessories | Lighting Design

bringing homes to life with light... t : 020 8874 2234 e : info@mr-resistor.co.uk

www.mr-resistor.co.uk

Quarter page advert.indd 1

6/17/2016 11:49:24 AM

Seating

Bedding

Accustics

Insulation

We at Cutfoam are ready to assist you in making your Self Build dream become a reality. We specialise in :* Construction grade Acoustic and Insulation foam (sheets or cut to size) * Seating /Upholostory foam (Cut to size) * Made to Measure covers * Made to order Memory foam mattresses * cushion inserts Our foam products are cost effective,eco friendly, and are UK/EU regs compliant.

Please call us for impartial advise and to discuss your needs.

info@cutfoam.co.uk - 020 8880 0828 Cutfoam, Unit 3, Hale Wharf, Ferry Lane, London N17 9NF OCTOBER 2016 43

INNOVATION | BRITHDIR MAWR ROUNDHOUSE

BRITHDIR MAWR ROUND HOUSE

By: Tony Gosling

A short history about Tony Wrench’s Roundhouse in Brithdir Mawr, Pembrokeshire

I

n 1997, Tony Wrench and Jane Faith built themselves a 30ft turf-roofed roundhouse with a ‘one planet’ ecological footprint at Brithdir Mawr in Pembrokeshire National Park. Five minutes walk from the community and hidden in the woods is an amazing experiment in low impact living. This is the house of Tony Wrench and his partner Jane Faith who built their home in 1997. The house is remarkable for a number of reasons. Firstly it is very well insulated with its earth roof and uses local wood and solar energy for it’s heating and lighting. Secondly the embodied energy to build it is extremely low because it is made mostly from locally sourced materials. There has been little transport energy used because of this and the timber is untreated too.

Finally the cost of this beautiful low impact dwelling was incredibly low.

Materials cost £2500 and it took some 400 man hours to build. That’s about 10 weeks work for one person. Tony who designed it himself is neither an architect nor a designer.

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However, the house didn’t ‘conform with planning policy’. A year or so after it was built the local planning authority – Pembrokeshire Coast National Park – found out about it. Tony and Jane applied for planning permission but Pembrokeshire National Park planning committee continually refused and, in 2001, Pembs National Park Authority said it had to be demolished by July 2002.

Further legal challenges delayed this action taking place until the Spring of 2004, when, ironically, Pembs National Park Planning Authority’s low-impact policy was revised to look favourably upon low impact development within the National Park!

“Hippyish but well-organised group of eco-warriers” Over Easter weekend, 2004, Tony and Jane had organised a posse to demolish their house. However, neither Tony & Jane nor the National-Park authority

OCTOBER 2016 45

INNOVATION | BRITHDIR MAWR ROUNDHOUSE

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had not counted on the intervention of a “hippyish but well-organised group of eco-warriers” (quoted in The Times – 26th April ‘04). The Land is Ours (TLIO) organised direct action to stop the demolition, and give Tony & Jane the moral support they deserved. Protesters from all over the country descended on Pembrokeshire, first occupying an Iron Age Roundhouse village, where the Park authorities had given themselves permission some years before. TILO flew a huge banner declaring that ‘Roundhouses Aren’t History’ and set up an impromptu ‘ideal low-impact home exhibition’ in a nearby lay-by. Then the protesters marched to Brithdir Mawr to convince Tony and Jane not to destroy a house that has become a symbol of the struggle for sustainability to so many people. Squatters occupied the roundhouse to prevent them from demolishing it, as supporters sang songs and spoke encouraging words. The emotional couple finally declared that the roundhouse would remain standing!

On Tuesday 12th, an even larger group of protesters marched on the planning offices of Haverfordwest local authority, squatting in the car park with a yurt and tents, until the authorities agreed to meet with them. The event was emotional and empowering, as well as humorous, highlighting the absurdity of the planning systems commitments to sustainable development. The Park Authority had just given permission for 350 imported wooden cabins at the Bluestone theme park, only a few miles down the road.

Tony and Jane were fined a modest sum by a sympathetic judge in a High court appearance, and then the National Park relented, taking time out to review their previous assertion that they would embark upon pursuing an injunction for enforcement. Then, on July 18th 2007, Pembrokeshire National Park Planning OCTOBER 2016 47

INNOVATION | BRITHDIR MAWR ROUNDHOUSE Committee finally met where Tony and Jane were allowed to speak for three minutes (the first time they had been allowed to address them since 1999).

Despite several members speaking in their favour – one being concerned that, after all this negotiation, refusal could be based on the advice of just one officer, the committee voted for refusal by 7 votes to 4 on the grounds that the roundhouse did not meet their newly revised low-impact development policy because Tony and Jane’s land did not have enough woodland from which they could derive a livelihood.

PLANNING VICTORY! Tony and Jane appealed, and then, finally, after 10 years of struggle, on Monday 15th Sept 2008, Tony and Jane’s two roundhouses were given permission along with 7 roundhouses belonging to their neighbour, Emma Orbach. For about a year there had been an understanding that if the two applications were put together then the Pembs National Park planners would recommend consent, due to the fact that while Tony and Jane didn’t have enough woodland, Emma had a surplus. One nearby source revealed that this final peace accord was “cooked up by the women on both sides of the table”.

-------------------------------------More Info from Tony & Jane’s website: http://thatroundhouse.info More Info from Tony Gosling: tony@cultureshop.org.uk 07786 952037 Knightstone Housing Association: www.knightstone.co.uk

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ESSE 500 Vista - timeless style, modern performance.

This fuel-efficient model, with wide, clear view of the flames, is also available as a gas version - with or without a flue.

ESSE’s 500 Vista is available with a log store; keeping dry, seasoned logs close at hand.

Hand-built, British stoves from ESSE look beautiful, and perform beautifully too. The 500 Vista is approved for use in smoke control zones. www.esse.com

OCTOBER 2016 49

TIMBER FEATURE | ECO TIMBER HOMES

SUSTAINABLE TIMBER PRODUCTS

Reducing the carbon footprint of your self build home is not only an ethical imperative, it can also save you money in the long term.

We talk to Eco Timber Homes about panelised timber frame construction and the services they provide that will help minimise the overall cost of your self build project.

T

imber Frame construction has been around for many years but is regularly confused with modular, mobile and pre-fabricated homes which are quite different.

Perhaps you have seen television programmes like Grand Designs or Extreme Makeover and wondered how they build a house so fast, the following information will help you understand how.

Panelised construction is the evolution of traditional “stick frame� construction.

Panelised construction takes the technology from traditional framing and brings it into a controlled and efficient manufacturing environment.

After the projects foundations are prepared, the floor system is built according to traditional framing methods. The next step would normally be to measure, cut and nail individual pieces of timber together to create a wall section and then level, square and fasten it in place. This is where the panelised process used by Eco Timber Homes differs. Panelisation brings the wall assembly portion into a climate controlled and efficient

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manufacturing environment. All of the panelised components are framed on flat, square framing tables. All of the panels are designed using computer software resulting in greater accuracy and reduced labour and waste. This helps us to work toward being better stewards of the environment – a global goal!

STEP 1 F O U N D AT I O N S A N D FLOOR SYSTEM

point where it is ready for the first floor walls.

STEP 2 FIRST FLOOR WALLS

Once all of the panels and building components are complete, they are shipped in sea containers to a port depending on the location of your site.

Once the panelised package arrives on site it is unloaded and ready for installation on the prepared foundation; whether slab on grade, crawl space or a full basement.

Panelised construction building kits are quickly becoming the new standard. Both builders and homeowners can benefit from panelised construction. – are you ready for a better and faster way to build?

MATERIAL AND COST SAVINGS Human error is reduced Reduced waste and disposal costs Savings due to volume purchasing Material is optimized using computer software Jobsite labour is dramatically reduced Less building materials available for theft H I G H E R Q U A L I T Y S TA N D A R D S Factory controlled conditions result in panels that are accurate and better fitting on-site Reduced warping, shrinkage and floor squeaks due to quicker close in Our Panelised process uses premium grade timber and materials Panels are built by experienced workers using the latest computer software resulting in a consistent and uniform product REDUCED CONSTRUCTION TIME More reliable completion and move in date Construction loan and interest charges are reduced due to a quicker completion time Delays due to material shortages and labour scheduling are reduced Construction becomes more feasible year round THE TIMBER FRAME PROCESS There are seven steps in the panelised construction process:

The foundation is prepared by your local contractor before our panelised package arrives on site. There are several types of foundations for you to consider - slab on grade (pre-engineered concrete), full depth basement, crawlspace or pier foundation. i. Slab on Grade In areas where basements are not common or required, a concrete slab is a common alternative. Concrete slabs require local engineering to account for soil conditions.

Walls can be easily anchored to the slab using poured-in-place anchors, chemical or mechanical fasteners. A foam gasket is used between the bottom plates and the concrete in order to prevent moisture wicking into the wall panels. ii. Full Basement / Crawlspace Full Basements and Crawlspaces are essentially the same except for height. A full basement is typically eight feet (or more) in height whereas a crawlspace is usually four feet. After the foundation is complete, the sub-floor is installed before any wall panels are installed. The sub-floor process starts by installing any required columns, beams and sill plates.

Next the floor joists, boxing and sheathing are installed. This brings the house to the point where it is ready for the first floor walls.

All of our panels are shipped on pallets and therefore can be easily placed on or near the sub-floor or slab. The panels are manageable in size and can be easily handled by one or two people.

A chalk line is used to mark out the first floor walls on the sub-floor (or slab on grade) according to the wall layout drawings. Each wall panel is then lifted in place and then secured to the sub-floor and tied together on top with a double plate. Exterior walls do not need to be squared because the panels come squared from the factory.

The house is now ready for the second floor sub-floor or the roof depending on design.

STEP 3 SECOND FLOOR SYSTEM

Installing the second floor is the same process as the first floor. Bearing beams and columns are installed first and then followed by the sub-floor.

Note: The floor system can be made up of regular dimensional timber or preengineered floor joists. iii. Pier Foundation Pier foundations rely on a series of piers and beams to carry the load of the house.

With a pier foundation a sub-floor is installed first before any wall panels. The process begins by installing the beams required to carry the sub-floor. The floor system follows with the floor joist, boxing and sheathing. This brings the house to the OCTOBER 2016

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TIMBER FEATURE | ECO TIMBER HOMES STEP 4 S E C O N D F L O O R WA L L S

When the structure is complete the exterior finishes can be installed to make the house secure and watertight. Finishes will vary depending on design and customer choice.

While these finishes are being installed, trades can start the rough in of the electrical, plumbing and HVAC system.

With wood panels roughing in services is simple; there are no special fasteners or supplies required, as with other systems.

Wall panels can be boomed to the second floor individually or pallet at a time depending on panel size and layout.

Second Floor walls are installed in the same manner as the first floor walls. Walls are marked out on the sub-floor and then erected in according to the layout drawings. Walls are anchored to the sub-floor and tied together on top with a double plate. The house is now ready for the roof system.

STEP 5 ROOF SYSTEM

Depending on roof design, the roof system may be pre-engineered trusses or rafters and ceiling joist (or a combination of both). The roof system is installed according to construction drawings or truss layouts.

After the roof system is finished the structure of the house is now secure and all bracing that was previously installed to stabilise the walls can be removed.

STEP 6 EXTERIOR FINISH

STEP 7 INTERIOR FINISH

After services and the HVAC system has been roughed in, walls can be insulated and wallboard can be installed. Particular finishes will vary inside the home depending on customer choice.

"Sustainability is all about meeting the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations. It can be measured in terms of economic, environmental and social value."

CUT THE FINANCIAL AND E N V I R O N M E N TA L C O S T S OF YOUR BUILDING Eco Timber Homes produce some of the most advanced and functional building systems available. They are designed and manufactured under controlled conditions using the latest CAD technology in stateof-the-art production facilities.

The panelised timber buildings are built in our factory before being delivered to site by container, where they are craned onto pre-prepared foundations in a matter of days / weeks.

Studies have shown that our modular method of construction offers considerable whole-life value benefits, including: ECONOMIC BENEFITS Construction predictability: Costly time and budget overruns are a major concern among construction

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clients. Because it is factory based, Panelised building manufacture is not disrupted by weather conditions, site characteristics or trade shortages.

Speed of construction: Build times can be reduced by up to 50% using modular building methods, leading to proportionate savings in site costs and an earlier return on investment.

Quality control: Factory-based manufacturing environment delivers consistently high quality standards through close control of the entire construction process.

E N V I R O N M E N TA L B E N E F I T S Better building performance: Factory production means buildings are manufactured to very tight tolerances. Use of cutting edge software ensures that every building designed by Eco Timber Homes has carbon emission rates which will either meet or exceed the requirements of Building Regulations Part L2.

Tests conducted by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) on our building solution have shown that it exceeds the Building Regulations Part L air permeability requirements by 70% – resulting in exceptional energy efficiency performance for reduced energy consumption.

Ozone-friendly materials: The insulation materials used in the walls, roof and floor of Eco Timber Homes buildings have an ODP (Ozone Depleting Potential) of zero – minimising their impact on the environment.

Reduced noise and pollution: Fewer vehicle movements mean less environmental pollution because of reduced vehicle mileage. Noise levels on site are also minimised.

Recycling of materials: Eco Timber Homes buildings are manufactured with use of our partners and recycling in mind. All our waste products are recycled.

Less waste: The amount of waste generated at both the factory and the site location is minimised. The Eco Timber Homes manufacturing facility recycles more than 90% of its waste, and the cost of waste sent to landfill has been reduced by 95% over the last three years.

SOCIAL BENEFITS Improved health and safety: Factory-based construction offers an intrinsically safer working environment than a traditional construction site. The need to work at height on site is removed.

Eco Timber Homes are committed to sustainability through our energy-saving and environmental programmes. From the back-office through to the building site we employ green methods wherever possible.

Eco Timber Homes are also committed to meeting the challenges set out in the traditional construction industry Major Contractors' Group Sustainability Charter.

maximise the floor space available through thinner walls by embracing the latest technology. This is all whilst still being fully compliant with Parts F & L. Â

B E N E F I T S F O R T O D AY A N D F U T U R E G E N E R AT I O N S By choosing to purchase a Eco Timber Homes building over a traditionally constructed one, you can achieve cost savings in both the short term and over the life of the structure, as well as reducing the impact of your activities on the environment for the benefit of future generations.

MOVING CLOSER TO LOWERING THE CARBON FOOTPRINT To ensure that your building achieves the necessary requirements for the latest legislation - Eco Timber Homes commission expert 3rd party engineers on your behalf to create calculations for 'Thermal Modelling' on key building elements used throughout our housing.

As a result we can not only provide superior thermal capabilities to reduce dependency on heating costs but also

OCTOBER 2016 53

WATER | DRAINAGE

WATER

DRAINAGE: PART ONE WE TAKE A LOOK AT HM GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS ON DRAINAGE AND WASTE DISPOSAL

SECTION ONE: S A N I TA R Y P I P E W O R K

1.1 The provisions in this section are applicable to domestic buildings and small non-domestic buildings. Complex systems in larger buildings should be designed in accordance with BS EN 12056.

1.2 The guidance in these provisions is applicable for WCs with major flush volumes of 5 litres or more. Where WCs with major flush volumes less than 5 litres are used, consideration should be given to the increased risk of blockages. Guidance on the design of sanitary pipework suitable for use with WCs with major flush volumes as low as 4 litres can be found in BS EN 12056.

TRAPS

1.3 All points of discharge into the system should be fitted with a trap (e.g. a water seal trap) to prevent foul air from the system entering the building. Under working and test conditions traps should retain a minimum seal of 25mm of water or equivalent.

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1.4 Consideration must be given to minimum trap sizes and seal depths for the appliances most used.

1.5 Pressure fluctuation: To prevent the water seal from being broken by the pressures which can develop in the system the branch discharge pipes should be designed as described in paragraphs 1.7 to 1.25.

1.6 Access for clearing blockages – If a trap forms part of an appliance the appliance should be removable. All other traps should be fitted directly after the appliance and should be removable or be fitted with a cleaning eye.

BRANCH DISCHARGE PIPES

1.7 Branch pipes should discharge into another branch pipe or a discharge stack unless the appliances discharge to a gully.

Gullies are generally at ground floor level, but may be at basement level. Branch pipes should not discharge into open hoppers.

1.8 If the appliances are on the ground floor the pipe(s) may discharge to a stub stack or discharge stack, directly to a drain or (if the pipe carries only wastewater) to a gully.

1.9 A branch pipe from a ground floor closet should only discharge directly to a drain if the depth from the floor to the drain is 1.3m or less 1.10 A branch pipe should not discharge into a stack in a way which could cause cross-flow into any other branch pipe.

1.11 A branch discharge pipe should not discharge into a stack lower than 450mm above the invert of the tail of the bend at the foot of the stack in single dwellings of up to 3 storeys.

1.12 Branch pipes may discharge into a stub stack.

1.13 A branch pipe discharging to a gully should terminate between the grating or sealing plate and the top of the water seal.

1.14 Condensate drainage from boilers may be connected to sanitary pipework. The connection should be made using pipework of minimum diameter 22mm through a 75mm

condensate trap. If an additional trap is provided externally to the boiler to provide the 75mm seal, an air gap should be provided between the boiler and the trap. a. The connection should preferably be made to an internal stack with a 75mm condensate trap. b. If the connection is made to a branch pipe, the connection should be made downstream of any sink waste connection. c. All sanitary pipework receiving condensate should be made from materials resistant to a pH value of 6.5 and lower. The installation should be in accordance with BS 6798.

1.15 Sizes of branch pipes – Pipes serving a single appliance should have at least the same diameter as the appliance trap.

1.16 Bends in branch pipes should be avoided if possible.

Where they cannot they should have as large a radius as possible.

1.17 Junctions on branch pipes of about the same diameter should be made with a sweep of 25mm radius or at 45°.

Connection of branch pipes of 75mm diameter or more to a stack of equal diameter should be made with a sweep of 50mm minimum radius or at 45°.

1.18 Branch pipes up to 40mm diameter joining branch pipes 100mm diameter or greater should, if practicable, connect to the upper part of the pipe wall of the larger branch.

OCTOBER 2016 55

WATER | DRAINAGE 1.19 Ventilation of branch pipes – separate ventilation will not be needed 1.20 If the guide figures are exceeded the branch pipe should be ventilated by a branch ventilating pipe to external air, to a ventilating stack, or internally by use of an air admittance valve.

1.21 A separate ventilating stack is only likely to be preferred where the numbers of sanitary appliances and their distance to a discharge stack are large.

1.22 Branch ventilating pipes – should be connected to the discharge pipe within 750mm of the trap and should connect to the ventilating stack or the stack vent, above the highest ‘spillover’ level of the appliances served. The ventilating pipe should have a continuous incline from the discharge pipe to the point of connection to the ventilating stack or stack vent.

1.23 Branch ventilating pipes which run direct to outside air should finish at least 900mm above any opening into the building nearer than 3m.

1.24 Branch ventilating pipes to branch pipes serving one appliance should be at least 25mm diameter or where the branch is longer than 15m or has more than 5 bends, should be at least 32mm.

1.25 Rodding points should be provided to give access to any lengths of discharge pipe which cannot be reached by removing traps or appliances with internal traps.

D I S C H A R G E S TA C K S

1.26 All stacks should discharge to a drain. The bend at the foot of the stack should have as large a radius as possible and at least 200mm at the centre line.

1.27 Offsets in the ‘wet’ portion of a discharge stack should be avoided. If they are unavoidable then in a building of not more than 3 storeys there should be no branch connection within 750mm of the offset. In a building over 3 storeys a ventilation stack may be needed with connections above and below the offset. In buildings over 3 storeys discharge stacks should be located inside the building.

1.28 Sizes of stacks – Stacks not reduce in the direction of flow.

Stacks serving urinals should be not less than 50mm, stacks serving closets with outlets less than 80mm should be not less than 75mm and stacks serving closets with outlets greater than 80mm should be not less than 100mm. The internal diameter of the stack should be not less than that of the largest trap or branch discharge pipe. For larger buildings the maximum flow should be checked.

1.29 Ventilation of discharge stacks – To prevent water seals in the traps from being lost by pressures which can develop in the system, discharge stacks should be ventilated. Discharge stacks connected to drains liable to surcharging or near an intercepting trap require ventilating pipes of not less than 50mm diameter connected to the base of the stack above the likely flood level.

1.30 Stub stacks – A stub stack may be used if it connects into a 56

ventilated discharge stack or into a ventilated drain not subject to surcharging and no connected water closet has a floor level more than 1.3m and no other branch into the stub stack has a centreline more than 2m to the centre line above the invert of the connection or drain.

1.31 Ventilating pipes open to outside air should finish at least 900mm above any opening into the building within 3m and should be finished with a wire cage or other perforated cover, fixed to the end of the ventilating pipe, which does not restrict the flow of air. In areas where rodent control is a problem these should be metallic.

1.32 Sizes of stack ventilation pipes – stack ventilation pipes (the dry part above the highest branch) may be reduced in size in one and two storey houses, but should be not less than 75mm.

1.33 Ventilated discharge stacks may be terminated inside a building when fitted with air admittance valves complying with BS EN 12380:2002. Where these valves are used they should not adversely affect the amount of ventilation necessary for the below ground system which is normally provided by open stacks of the sanitary pipework. Air admittance valves should be located in areas which have adequate ventilation, should be accessible for maintenance and should be removable to give access for clearance of blockages. Air admittance valves should not be used outside buildings or in dust laden atmospheres.

Where there is no open ventilation on a drainage system or through connected drains, alternative arrangements to relieve positive pressures should be considered.

1.34 Access for clearing blockages – rodding points should be provided in discharge stacks to give access to any lengths of pipe which cannot be reached from any other part of the system. All pipes should be reasonably accessible for repair.

Rodding points in stacks should be above the spillover level of appliances.

MATERIALS FOR PIPES, FITTINGS AND JOINTS 1.35 Where necessary different metals should be separated by non-metallic material to prevent electrolytic corrosion. Care

OCTOBER 2016 57

WATER | DRAINAGE General and performance requirements, Clauses 3–6; Part 2 Sanitary pipework, layout and calculation, Clauses 3 to 6 and National Annexes NA to NG (System III is traditionally in use in the UK); Part 5 Installation and testing, instructions for operation, maintenance and use, Clauses 4–6, 8, 9 and 11. BS EN 12109 Vacuum Drainage Systems Inside Buildings.... ...Continued next issue.

should be taken to ensure continuity of any electrical earth bonding requirements. Pipes should be firmly supported without restricting thermal movement. Attention is also drawn to the requirement of Part B of Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations 2000 and guidance in the Approved Document relating to penetration of fire separating elements and fire stopping provisions.

1.36 Sanitary pipework connected to WCs should not allow light to be visible through the pipe wall, as this is believed to encourage damage by rodents.

WORKMANSHIP

1.37 Good workmanship is essential. Workmanship should be in accordance with BS 8000 Workmanship on Building Sites Part 13: Code of practice for above ground drainage.

AIR TIGHTNESS

1.38 The pipes, fittings and joints should be capable of withstanding an air test of positive pressure of at least 38mm water gauge for at least 3 minutes. Every trap should maintain a water seal of at least 25mm. Smoke testing may be used to identify defects where a water test has failed. Smoke testing is not recommended for PVC-U pipes.

A LT E R N AT I V E A P P R O A C H

1.39 The requirement can also be met by following the relevant recommendations of BS EN 12056 Gravity drainage systems inside buildings. Relevant clauses are in Part 1:

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