Self Build Construction Methods
Welcome to the first part of our guide to a green self build. Many self builders are taking full advantage of building an environmentally sound and energy efficient self build house.
The methods such a build include using sustainable wood sources, natural energy sources, passive solar design and increased thermal performance.
It was in Scandinavia and Canada that these techniques were developed out of necessity to keep their homes warm in -40°c temperatures. Timber framed construction for the self build is most often used in building a green self build home. They are easier to make air tight and insulate.
Timber frames produced by local sustainable sources are one of the greenest building materials. The public are becoming increasingly aware of timber framed homes with self builders willing to try new methods of construction to that of the larger property developers. Currently just 12% of UK homes are timber framed.
Each green self build will be different as the self builder each have their own expectations and goals. For some, hi-tech insulation involving multiple layers including mineral fibre insulation, with foil faced, polythene bubble wrap. Others will use natural home insulation such as straw bales. By keeping your home air tight it prevents air and heat escaping through gaps. Air changing is carried out by low powered mechanical ventilation systems to remove stale air and bring in fresh air.
The bottom line is build tight and ventilate right.
Self build homes constructed utilising passive solar design use the natural movement of heat and air to maintain comfortable temperatures, operating with little or no mechanical assistance. It's called passive solar because the design of the home maximizes the benefits it receives from the sun with standard construction features. Examples of this include building a homes with a south facing elevation with more windows that the north. This allows more light and heat in through the south while not letting the heat escape through the windows on the north.
There are five passive solar design principles:
Orientation
Overhangs and shading
Insulation
Windows
Thermal Mass
This concludes Part I on green self build homes. Stay tuned for Part II covering solar power energy for your self build house in detail!
