Karen & Nic's original home was built in the 1970’s with well documented inefficiencies, after looking at how they could extend it and make it more efficient within their budget, Karen & Nic took the decision to demolish their previous home and re build a new thermally and energy efficient home. "So many things had to be knocked down or dug up to try and make the previous home even half as efficient as it s now.”
Efficient grey water use was high on their list, and as current building regulations no longer allow soak aways it’s a win win for water conservation. They installed a 7000litre water tank under the drive which takes rainwater from the wide Sarnofil lined gutters on either side of the roof through concealed 4” pipes directly into the tank. This supplies the outside taps, washing machine and three WCs. The utility room is by the front door so its easy to take the washing out to hang on the line.
The house was built using thermo efficient blocks, double glazed windows with a filter and integrated (saving roofing slate) solar PV panels across the south side of the roof. The roof wraps around the building and is full of insulation. There is a sedum roof on top of the dining area.
The standalone air source heat pump heats our water, we have a 300l unventilated hot water tank, and underfloor heating throughout the house.
We have a no dig garden with many overflowing flowers (not as tidy as the original layout!), recycled slate, scallop shells and stone paths, a bank with wild flowers, with a vegetable patch, a hot composter, other compost bins and rainwater butts (which we intend adding to.). There is a fish pond and we will be digging a small pond at the back of the house to encourage frogs and newts.
Visitors will be able to look at the grey water tank, and its working, the plant room and the garden.
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