Clouds, Bridport

Since Debbie and Simon moved into this 1950s bungalow fifteen years ago, they have worked to lower their environmental impact. The windows are all double glazed by a local firm, and the large South-facing windows facilitate passive heating by the sun. The solid floors in the front porch and hall add thermal mass to store this natural and free source of heat. Thick loft insulation and cavity wall insulation mean that the house only needs heating in the coldest weather.

The roof has 14 solar PV panels fitted over ten years ago. The electricity generated has easily covered the monetary cost and the cost in energy terms and contributes to charging up their electric car and electric bicycle.
The solar thermal panels provide a free source of hot water through most of the year and on sunny days no additional water heating is required. 

All clothes are dried on the washing line, and waste food is composted.  The garden includes a vegetable patch and fruit trees, which grow well despite the exposed position of the garden.  Apart from edible crops, insect-friendly plants are chosen to increase the biodiversity of the garden. Simon and Debbie are great proponents of common sense and low cost solutions to living sustainably.