ECO-HOUSE
Client: Ron Bennett
Completed in 1995, this 300 sq.m. self-build energy efficient, timber
framed bungalow using Masonite beams and recycled newspaper
insulation has one of the most highly insulated envelopes in the UK,
with ‘U’ values for the roof of 0.09, walls 0.12, floor 0.27, triple glazed
timber windows and doors and an average air leakage rate of only
0.65 ac/h. The house is designed for wind-turbine generated electricity,
solar heating for hot water, rainwater harvesting and filtration to provide
year-round water requirements. Heating is provided by solar gains,
electrical underfloor comfort heating and a heat-recovery ventilation
system with back-up heating, to give extremely low annual energy
costs. Construction costs were 40% less per square metre than a
Potton-type house. The client loves it.
Site Address: Bumpstead Road, Hempstead, Saffron Walden.
General Contractor: Wilkinson Builders