Why Ecohomes
Mankind's use of energy is now recognised as causing serious damage to our climate. We aim to supply homes capable of reaching Code 5 and 6 of the Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) / Passivhaus standard to minimise energy use in the home. We have the techniques to do this now, there is no need to wait until the Government's 2016 code 6 date. We have the experience and commitment to minimise household energy use and create houses which are a joy to live in and are cost effective.
Touchwood Homes
We have been in the construction industry for three generations and realised many years ago that traditional building methods were not delivering energy efficient houses suitable for modern living. 16 years ago we built our first Ecohome, and our methods and techniques have been improving continually since.
We have year on year improved the design and build process to allow us to supply a complete precut timber frame with all components (windows, doors, cladding etc) to a very high specification. Windows and doors can be built to the German Passivhaus standard, meaning they will meet Code 6 of CSH in terms of energy saving and air tightness. For the structure we use engineered timber 'I' beams to create very thick walls packed with insulation. Combining these ideas, and our methods to achieve excellent air tightness levels results in a fantastic low energy ecohome.
Our walls can achieve U values down to 0.09W/m2K, with a typical wall being 0.12W/m2K. Our air tightness levels are improving all the time, with our most recent test achieving 0.47 m3/m2.hr @ 50Pa - the best rating the independent tester had ever recorded. Passivhaus design requires a figure below 1.0.
Since our designs can use Glulam ridge beams, there is the option of creating a large open planned vaulted living space - like that pictured (click to expand). This method of construction offers great flexibility, since positioning of internal walls is not predefined by structural load bearing walls.
Our timber frames are designed on computer aided design (CAD) software packages, which allow the client to visualise the house in excellent 3D rendered images before construction work begins. The house can be completely bespoke and can fit any design and finish (timber boarding, brick skin, render etc) required. At this design stage any alterations required can be easily performed to create the perfect house for your requirements.
Once the design is complete, the house is then pre-cut by computer-controlled workbench ready for delivery within 4-5 weeks. Our designs are ideal to utilise micro generation technologies to make the building carbon neutral. We have a great deal of experience with micro generation, and have learnt which technologies and designs are appropriate to meet the energy needs of our Ecohomes. We work in partnership with Segen to supply and install micro generation technologies.
Pre-cut timber frames minimise build time on site, saving time and money. These methods utilising IT bring the building process into the 21st century.
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Our construction company, Wilkinson Builders, is a member of AECB - the Association of Environment Conscious Building - and as such we adhere to their low energy building practices. Click on their logo to learn more about them. If you already have plans drawn for your project we can quote a price from them - for the frame or for the complete house (windows, doors, cladding etc), or we can assist with the design stage - providing ideas for low energy construction techniques. Please email for more information. |
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