The magic of sunspaces

Sunspaces are located on the south face. They are positioned and designed to improve the environmental performance of the houses. They do this in three principal ways: firstly, by acting as a buffer between inside and out; secondly, by using the warmth of the sun to preheat ventilation to the adjacent living spaces and; thirdly, by effectively creating a large draught lobby to the garden on the south side. These transitional spaces can be controlled by doors, vents and louvres according to the weather and if used correctly will reduce the heating requirement for the houses. As well as the energy benefits, the sunspaces will also be a bright, sunny environment for occupants. For much of the year they can be considered as an extension of the living space, being large enough to accommodate chairs and a table.

Catching raindrops

The average two-person household flushes 14,000 litres of drinking water down the toilet each year. With water restrictions becoming more and more frequent it just seems sensible to use rainwater from our roofs to cut back on this waste. A 2,500-litre rainwater tank - enough for over 600 flushes - can store filtered water from the roof to supply each toilet. In the event of a prolonged dry spell the tank will be automatically topped up by the mains supply.

By using the dual flush toilets sensibly, spray taps and flow limiters over washbasins, having a shower rather than a bath and generally being more aware of how we use our water we estimate a saving of up to 40% on usage.

Timber

Forestry Stewardship Certified (fsc) timber is regulated and managed from sustainable sources.  Timber from managed sources is a truly sustainable material with low embodied energy .

Structural versatility, natural durability, and offering the potential for waste reuse for alternate products such as insulating fibre board and wood pellet fuel.  Timber is highly recyclable with clean future characteristics.

Renewable energy

Photo voltaic cells produce electricity from natural light, these are still operational on cloudy days and can sell surplus energy back into the national grid.

Solar panels generate hot water using sunlight, like photovoltaic cells they need to be sited effectively for maximum efficiency.  They can heat up to half of the domestic hot water used over the year.

Bio fuels

Harvesting natural materials can be managed effectively to provide an indefinite source of energy.  Wood pellet boilers with programmable timers can offer the flexibility associated with conventional boiler systems - from a renewable, low carbon source.

Often these fuels are waste products creating a sustainable source of energy from another existing process or material.