Three Cumbrian businesses have worked together to create the ultimate energy efficient home…
A detached house in Kendal has achieved the second highest score for airtightness ever recorded in the UK.
The three firms, the Ecological Building Systems of Cardewlees, Eden Insulation, and EcoArc Architects, built the four-bed property, which exceeded the standard required by building regulations by more than 90 times. It was also six times higher than the standards needed for the Passivhaus standard for ultra-low energy homes.
The property, which cost the same to build as a conventional home, will have lower heating bills than the average property. It is expected bills will come to less than £100 a year.
Technical Development Manager for Ecological Building Systems Stephen Gurney said: “Once the word gets out and more people appreciate that they can have a home that costs less than £100 a year to heat, it will be appreciated that this is the way forward, especially as energy prices rise.”
The frame for the Passivhaus was erected and was weathertight within two days. The timber-frame panels, which were made by Eden Insulation, were pre-filled with Warmcel insulation made from recycled newsprint. It was sealed with vapour control panel and membranes supplied by Ecological Building Systems.
The panels were fitted on site, with joints sealed using airtight tapes.
Gurney said: “A vent with a heat exchanger sucks cold air in and stale air out. It uses heat from the stale air to heat the cold air coming in, and creates a really comfortable environment.”
Director of Cardewless Penny Randell said: “Home owners are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of achieving airtightness and consequently better energy performance and lower heating bills.
“There’s been a view that this type of construction is just for eco-warriors who put environmental credentials ahead of performance, but that’s simply no longer the case.
“These materials for insulation and moisture management outperform many commonly used in building.”
Green building was delivered a blow earlier this year when the government withdrew support for standards for zero carbon homes.