OUR ECO-HOMES
Our prototype.
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We have been building this little beauty since July at Heeley City Farm.
It's a one-bedroom 320sq ft open plan show home - come and see!
This picture was taken in early November and the look has changed quite a bit since then so don't be put off - it was still a work in progress!
We will be working with our partners to test and perfect the prototype over the next few weeks, which will involve a few lucky people getting to spend time inside as if they were living there. A blog will be added as soon as we have tenants!
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We need to show that the new technology works, as no-one has to date put Passivhaus style insulation into a shipping container (confirmed by the Passivhaus Institute!).
We also need to fine-tune the MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery) pump, solar panels and appliances & fittings.
Other features still to be installed are the landscaping and grey water/rainwater harvesting system.
Our eco-features include;
Passivhaus-style insulation.
MVHR (BluMartin FreeAir 1000)
Low-flow shower/sinks
Enphase 1.2kW solar battery
6 x Enphase 285w solar panels with built-in micro-inverters.
Argon-filled glazing with low-transmission spacers
Innotherm 50mm recycled denim insulation
Earthwool ceiling insulation
Decatherm insulated plasterboard
Insul8ed Complete soft-sheen paint
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Reclaimed materials;
structural timber throughout
decorative wood trims
bedroom and kitchen timber
Bathroom tiling - 75%
external 120mm insulation panels
all internal cavity insulation
Concrete slabs for corner supports
Wooden flooring (stage panel & scaffold board)
10 and 22mm Water piping
UPVC window and door frames - 60%
planters and decking
green roof boxes and linings
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We will be adding details here soon of the actual or estimated u-values of the materials used and the costings.
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We will also be adding details of the energy consumption to compare against the average UK domestic consumption of 200kW/m2/year - and hopefully a live feed from the inverter to see how much free electricity we are actually producing (which can also be tracked by an app on my phone!
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Currently we have generated a massive 90kW since Jan 28th - meaning the house is paying for itself and exporting energy to the S Y Energy Centre too!
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