Graham introduces the idea of incorporating maximum insulation efficiency in new home builds from the start: PassivHaus, Earth-Sheltered Houses, Dome Houses
Last updated
Video Timeline (min:sec):
00:00 - 17:55 Presentation
17:55 - 55:37 (end) Q & A
00:21:27 David Morgan-Jones: https://www.cbre.co.uk/insights/articles/what-is-the-2025-future-homes-standard-and-how-will-it-impact-residential-real-estate
00:21:38 Cara Naden: Reacted to "https://www.cbre.co...." with 👍
00:22:01 Cara Naden: https://www.passivhaustrust.org.uk/what_is_passivhaus.php
00:23:08 Cara Naden: Also cob building with earth https://www.buildsomethingbeautiful.co.uk/
00:24:36 Cara Naden: Straw bale buildings & natural building examples https://strawworks.co.uk/
00:33:54 Cara Naden: Hempcrete too for locking up carbon in buildings https://www.ukhempcrete.com/
00:34:06 Amanda Davis: Reacted to "Hempcrete too for lo..." with ❤️
00:35:32 David Morgan-Jones: Apologies need to move to another meeting. Look forward to next week.
00:36:07 Cara Naden: Retrofit support https://www.cse.org.uk/my-home/advice-projects/futureproof/
00:36:48 Cara Naden: Wood for Good campaign https://www.woodforgood.com/
00:38:57 Cara Naden: Social housing passivhaus https://www.hastoe.com/news/general-news/uk-s-first-rural-affordable-passivhaus-scheme-continues-to-perform-well-after-10-years/
00:42:04 Amanda Davis: https://news.cotswold.gov.uk/news/moreton-in-marsh-welcomes-new-affordable-low-carbon-homes#:~:text=Cotswold%20District%20Council%20has%20supported,in%20Moreton%2Din%2DMarsh.
00:43:01 John Payne: I have built an Oak framed barn with sheep wool insulation in the roof, unlike my @1860 stone cottage it is always warm, but for at least 5 months of the year the cottage wins out with its thermal mass as it is Climate Change heat that is probably going to be just as important to make homes liveable in the uncertain future.
00:44:17 Cara Naden: Reacted to "I have built an Oak ..." with 💚
00:45:59 Cara Naden: And the retrofit requirements PAS2035 also includes adapting homes to climate change impacts not just on energy saving...
00:48:41 Cara Naden: Replying to "I have built an Oak ..." Good point to include the need for thermal mass as timber alone will probably over heat in summer..
00:48:54 Amanda Davis: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Hi3dbELNRjKxDQWY8Z6Ptw#/registration
00:52:39 Jacky Lawrence, Napton, Warwickshire: we have a 260 year old property and have done underfoor, external and internal insulation and underfloor heating, zoning, TRVs etc.
00:52:58 Cara Naden: Reacted to "we have a 260 year o..." with 💚
00:54:15 Cara Naden: Be great to share examples of what people done towards retrofitting there homes. Open do open homes visits to inspire others to do similar..
00:54:25 frank deas: https://locohome.coop/
00:54:41 frank deas: https://nesfit.org/
00:56:04 Cara Naden: Retrofit West for sw combined authority area https://www.retrofitwestadvice.co.uk/
00:57:04 Cara Naden: https://ukgbc.org/policy-advocacy/domestic-retrofit/
00:58:04 Cara Naden: National Retrofit Hub https://nationalretrofithub.org.uk/knowledge-hub/
00:58:40 Cara Naden: https://retrofitsomerset.info/
00:59:54 Mike Bundock: I have done a lot of retro fitting on my 1960 house, and tried to use Passiv standards as leads, but the airtightness, extensive insulation, and MVHR system has made a huge difference - Total energy cost are less than £1.50 dat. While the ceilings were down I put rainwater tanks in the loft
01:01:05 Cara Naden: Example of delivery of retrofit and communities in SE https://www.onezero.energy/
01:01:14 Cara Naden: Reacted to "I have done a lot of..." with 💚
Oct 23, 2024 11:55 AM London ID: 834 5460 8536
The team discussed the need for stricter building standards and the importance of retrofitting homes to reduce energy loss and improve living conditions. They also explored the concept of passive house standards, the potential of earth-sheltered, underground, and dome houses, and the role of neighborhood plans in ensuring energy-efficient housing. The conversation ended with a commitment to work on a more comprehensive and detailed approach to their project, emphasizing the importance of understanding customer needs and pain points, effective communication, and collaboration.
Here are the key action items from the meeting:
Graham to find someone to present on retrofitting existing houses for a future session.
Graham to add records of retrofit experiences to the Great Collaboration knowledge base.
Graham to talk to Mike about potentially presenting on the retrofitting he has done to his house and its impacts.
Cara to continue efforts on filming open homes events to showcase retrofit experiences.
Amanda to share more details on the Cotswold AONB position statement on achieving net zero within conservation areas.
Frank to share links to examples of local retrofit hubs in Glasgow and Aberdeen.
Addressing Climate Change in Housing
Stuart expressed concerns about developers' adherence to climate change standards and their reluctance to include heat pumps in new builds due to additional costs. Graham and Cara agreed on the need for gradual pressure on the government to enforce stricter building standards. Cara emphasized the importance of lobbying the government to ensure eco-friendly housing requirements are embedded. Amanda discussed the Freehold and Leasehold Reform Act and its implications, suggesting a need for holistic thinking and joined-up policy-making. The team agreed on the necessity of lobbying the government to address these issues.
Retrofitting Homes and Historic Villages
Cara discussed the importance of retrofitting homes, particularly in damp areas, to reduce energy loss and improve living conditions. She suggested that fossil fuel companies should contribute to the costs of retrofitting. Frank proposed the establishment of a retrofit hub in Scotland, aiming to bring together householders, assessors, and contractors to create local employment and community wealth. He also highlighted the issue of preserving the look and feel of historic villages, despite the potential impact on energy use and carbon emissions. Amanda shared her experience of working with the Cotswolds National Landscape, where they have developed a position statement and agreements to promote retrofitting in conservation areas and aim for net-zero emissions.
Discussing New Approaches and Regulations
Graham welcomed everyone to the meeting and acknowledged the presence of Mike, Frank, David, Cara, Stuart, and Tristan. The meeting was held virtually, with Graham apologizing for the potential issues due to his location in London. The main topic of the meeting was to discuss new ways of doing things and using regulations to the advantage of the local community. Graham also mentioned that he would be sharing his screen and that the meeting was being recorded. The meeting was interrupted by technical issues, but Graham managed to continue the discussion.
Passive Houses and Affordable Housing
Graham discussed the concept of passive house standards, emphasizing the importance of insulation, air tightness, and ventilation in maintaining a constant temperature without external heating. He highlighted that passive houses can be built using various construction methods and can significantly reduce energy consumption. Graham also shared examples of successful passive house projects in Plymouth and Exeter, noting the affordability and low maintenance of these buildings. He concluded by stressing the need for developers to meet community requirements for affordable housing and the potential for passive houses to become more widespread.
Energy-Efficient Housing Design Options
Graham discussed three types of energy-efficient housing: earth-sheltered houses, underground houses, and dome houses. He emphasized that earth-sheltered houses can be designed to be invisible from the outside, providing insulation from the weather and reducing energy consumption. Dome houses, he explained, use materials more efficiently by utilizing tension rather than compression, allowing for reduced material usage and lower construction costs. He also highlighted the importance of proper insulation in these designs.
Improving Energy Efficiency in Houses
Graham discussed the importance of improving energy efficiency in houses and the role of neighborhood plans in achieving this goal. He highlighted the new NPPF law that gives more weight to neighborhood plans, requiring local authorities to adhere to them. Graham suggested that communities should revise their neighborhood plans to include specific requirements for insulation and emissions standards, as well as a higher percentage of affordable housing. He emphasized that getting the installation right from the start is the least expensive way to heat a home and that the cost of a passive house is not necessarily higher than a conventional home. Graham concluded by suggesting that these routes could be followed to improve energy efficiency standards around the country.
Improving Project Structure and Communication
The team discussed the need for a more comprehensive and detailed approach to their project, with a focus on the importance of understanding the customer's needs and pain points. They agreed on the necessity of a more structured and organized process, with clear roles and responsibilities assigned to each team member. The team also emphasized the importance of effective communication and collaboration to ensure the project's success. They ended the conversation with a commitment to work on these aspects and reconvene to review progress.
Underground and Dome House Design
Graham presented on the design and construction of underground and dome houses, highlighting their potential for being brighter and lighter than conventional houses. He also mentioned the possibility of building these houses in modules, which could significantly reduce construction costs. Stuart raised the issue of retrofitting existing housing stock, which Graham acknowledged as a larger problem but did not address in his presentation. Mike asked about the importance of certification for passive house standards, to which Graham agreed, suggesting a change in wording to "certified" rather than "built to" passive house standards.
Improving Project Structure and Communication
The team discussed the need for a more comprehensive and detailed approach to their project, with a focus on the importance of understanding the customer's needs and pain points. They agreed on the necessity of a more structured and organized process, with clear roles and responsibilities assigned to each team member. The team also emphasized the importance of effective communication and collaboration to ensure the project's success. They ended the conversation with a commitment to work on these aspects and reconvene to review progress.
Neighborhood Plans and Sustainable Building
Graham discussed the importance of neighborhood plans in ensuring that new developments meet specific standards. He also touched on the challenges of retrofitting existing buildings to meet carbon standards. Cara emphasized the need for more natural building materials and low-carbon construction methods, while Tristram highlighted the potential of timber construction and the importance of considering embodied carbon in building processes. Amanda shared her experiences with building control and the issue of light pollution in new developments. She also mentioned a development in Morton in the Marsh that uses eco-friendly materials. The team agreed on the need for careful consideration of these issues in future developments.
