Green Building Forum - Building Regulations and Standards Tue, 19 Dec 2023 04:20:14 +0000 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 Green roof - 150mm ventilated cavity - eaves only ventilation http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14600 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14600 Thu, 06 Oct 2016 08:28:50 +0100 julienbrown I am quite sure this is suitable but cant find any way of "proving" it to building control. I cant find any suitable manufacturers recommended details. It would be nice to have something from BS or NBC saying that 150mm ventilation at eaves is as good as 50mm ventilation at eaves and ridge.
Any help would be appreciated.

Roof build up:
1.Sedum
2.50mm soil
3.Oldroyd Xv20 green roof membrane
4.roofing felt
5.18mm OSB
6.150x50mm secondary roof rafters - forms overhang and provides ventilated cavity - no ridge vents, only eaves vents
7.Breather membrane
8.15mm panelvent sheathing
9.245mm timber I joists with innotherm insulation (breathable)
10.low grade vapor barrier
11.plasterboard]]> Part F no longer fit for purpose http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14505 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14505 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 12:29:03 +0100 tony
Extract fans are insane in air tight buildings, we don't want nor should we still be building air leaky homes, heat recovery is a no brainer, part F is well out of date and no longer fit for purpose.

Tell me when it will be revised and brought up to date? This year, next year, sometime never......]]> Unmarked supposedly structurally graded timber http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14488 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14488 Tue, 23 Aug 2016 15:17:57 +0100 Ed Davies
Still, if the replacement arrives unmarked as well, should I accept it, or is there too much risk the BCO will say nope, replace it? To put it another way, when you order graded timber is there an implicit contract to deliver properly marked stuff? I think so.

If you're curious, it's the replacement for the cracked post mentioned here: https://edavies.me.uk/2016/06/frame_up/ and it arrived as 125 mm squared rather than 145 mm squared.]]> What's so bad about UK regs? http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14367 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14367 Fri, 01 Jul 2016 06:39:06 +0100 cjard
So given that insulation specs are pretty good, what is the lacklustre aspect that leads us to bash the regs? Air tightness? Matey is being forced, as a planning condition I believe, to install MVHR.. (I've told him he could challenge this if he felt like it, as I sincerely doubt local adopted policy says anything about ventilation) He's aware that a lack of decent air tightness will negate the point of installing it, so perhaps shortcomings are being addressed in other ways..]]> Plans passed but no detail http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14283 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14283 Sat, 21 May 2016 10:29:10 +0100 Penkestle
We are on with our build but I am now finding that I need detail and specifications and guidance that I can't obtain from my retired planning architect. Most of what is required I fully understand how to approach and build however there are areas where I need guidance and best practice or instruction. I am also finding that I am being asked for DWG files for various aspects of the build.

Not sure how I should approach this. Are there people out there who will provide drawings for the detail and specifications that I am missing? or should I enlist the services of an architect and start from scratch minus the planning aspect?

Guidance from you knowledgeable people would be gratefully appreciated.

:-)]]> Designing and building in Thermal bridges http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14282 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14282 Sat, 21 May 2016 09:20:28 +0100 tony
Would it be better, cheaper, easier and thermally more efficient to use an RSJ and a separate external lintel?

Why would you want to use this? tradition?]]> Engineered timber substitute for C24 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14253 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14253 Tue, 10 May 2016 20:02:17 +0100 Ed Davies
Said big-chain timber merchant's local manager suggested LVL (laminated veneer lumber - oversize plywood) from, I think, Crendon Timber. I asked if that had a “C” rating in the way that JJI glulam can be treated as C27 as an alternative to their normal calcs. He said it didn't work that way.

I wonder if he's mistaken and that actually those beams can be used in place of C24 directly with no extra calculations. Alternatively, if there's another form of engineered timber that can be used directly that way.

Weather's too good not to get on on site for a few days but I'll probably go chat to the timber people near Inverness airport that Willie suggested a while back about this. Any info might be very helpful for discussions, ta.

(Going back to the SE is not really an option - I'd like to get this house built this year.)]]> A mistake in the drawings http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14227 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14227 Mon, 02 May 2016 12:23:28 +0100 Triassic Empty cans are cheaper than concrete http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14039 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14039 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 18:04:54 +0000 Ed Davies
http://blogs.agu.org/landslideblog/2016/02/08/taking-responsibility-1/

Sometimes a little inspection is a good idea.]]> Importing windows from Europe - building regs http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13986 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13986 Fri, 22 Jan 2016 15:24:14 +0000 kentishgreen
I know uw-value is measured differently in most of euroland. One company measures it:
Uw = 0,8 W/(m²K) for statistical size 1230x1480 mm window in standard complectation with 48 mm insulated 3-glass unit with two low emission glass floats

which is different to BS. However it easily meets BS, so would hope no issues on the thermal front? The company has the necessary documentation. Most window profiles all seem to be German in any case and then manufactured cheaper in the former e-block where minimum wages are still £1.50/hr and where the fenestration industry (amongst others) is heavily subsidised by the EU.

Anything I should be particularly wary of in terms of BS....Building Standards that is....I've had enough BS from the local double glazing sales reps!!:angry:

One of the company reps is here next week, so hoping to sort out any issues with him then!]]> Building Control: Local Authority or Approved Inspector route? http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13934 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13934 Mon, 04 Jan 2016 15:47:15 +0000 Doubting_Thomas
My own experience is the approved inspectors tend to wave anything through (presumably they have very understanding PI insurers), whereas the local authority are overworked, underpaid and will use any excuse to delay things.

Since this is our first build, I'm therefore tempted by the path of least resistance (i.e. Approved Inspector) but slightly concerned we'll essentially be paying for someone to just nod and rubber stamp rather than get proper scrutiny...perhaps I'm too cynical!

Anyone got any ideas as to how much extra we can expect to pay?]]> Keep the public well informed! http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13889 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13889 Tue, 15 Dec 2015 13:30:18 +0000 Nick Parsons
When TV ''do-up'' programmes explain like this, or (another prog) do conservatories which apperr not to comply with Building Regs what chance do we have of a well-informed public?!]]> BRE's Home Quality Mark http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13844 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13844 Thu, 26 Nov 2015 11:00:20 +0000 Shevek http://www.homequalitymark.com
https://www.bre.co.uk/academy/page.jsp?id=3600

I believe they're hoping to publish it end of this year.]]> Bathroom light switch http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13813 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13813 Wed, 18 Nov 2015 08:41:26 +0000 davidfreeborough
David]]> Understanding Part F http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13815 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13815 Thu, 19 Nov 2015 06:35:44 +0000 JT101
I see a few other people struggle with this document. I thought I was a pretty logical thinker, yet I just cannot make head nor tail of what they're asking for in the standards and I've done the BPEC training course!

And speaking to the BPEC training guys, some manufacturers and building control they all seem to approach it in a different way of course.

My confusion arises from the following:

1) The measurement test sheet at the back of the Domestic ventilation compliance guide asks for 4 figures: Low & High Extract rates and Low & High Supply Rates. Yet table 5.1a and 5.1b, look like to me that you only specify extract high & low, and supply low. Supply high is left to measurement on the day

2) Everyone seems to use different terminology and mix up the words boost, minimum, maximum, low and high.

3) No explanation is given for what to do when in Step 2, you find that your low extract and high extract are the same, or if you low extract turns out to be higher than your min supply rate, i.e. it is not balanced.

I'm probably just getting confused with what seems like a simple procedure. I just need someone to lay out in plain English the basic principles and steps so I can meet the standards and fill in the test sheet. I think i've read it too many times now I've had a brainfart.

Mucho mucho appreciated!]]> Bureacracy for toilet flushing with rainwater http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13770 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13770 Sat, 31 Oct 2015 20:02:00 +0000 Ed Davies
http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13746&page=1#Comment_231411

Talk to your plumber first about the documenting and testing requirements. I installed a large rainwater tank and was going to plumb it to the toilets but after my plumber explained the extra bureaucracy involved if I did so, I gave up that idea. So the water is just used in the garden now.


Later in the same thread Wookey asked what that's about.

My experience for getting a building warrant in Scotland for a completely off-grid rainwater system (no mains water) wasn't too much trouble. The BCO wanted a diagram of the system and I had a bit of an email exchange with the EH lady (who was helpful and interested). The BCO then wanted a note on the diagram that the installation would comply with some standard (I'll look up the reference if anybody's interested). He couldn't let me have a copy but did let me read it at their offices - the only thing which wasn't obvious common sense was the requirement to put particular format labels on all the pipes in all the voids they run through - I can live with that.

Things might be different in England. Things might also be different in a building which mixes mains water and harvested rainwater. Still, I suspect DJH's plumber is making a bit of a meal of the situation. Anybody know better?]]> EnEv standards http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13741 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13741 Fri, 23 Oct 2015 12:05:04 +0100 djh
Failing an English summary, what's the best page to point google translate at?]]> Changes to the Building Regulations - AD Part Q http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13672 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13672 Mon, 21 Sep 2015 14:18:22 +0100 Doubting_Thomas
I found a good general guide to the changes here: http://www.ribaj.com/intelligence/the-2015-changes-to-building-regulations-england and most of them seem like a good idea so not too worried.

The thought struck me though that if Part Q requires doors and windows to be PAS 24:2012 certified, that might make implementing Passivhaus windows made abroad harder to achieve. Anecdotally I'm aware that these can sometimes be better quality than our domestic options as they're ahead of the curve.

Looking at the Secured by Design list (http://www.securedbydesign.com/members/), most of the bigger players seem to be on there, presumably because of the Code for Sustainable Homes requirement, but I wondered if anyone had any thoughts on the proposed changes?

Any benefit to registering a build now ahead of the Oct 1st deadline?


T]]> Excellent resource of construction u-values by product http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=3375 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=3375 Fri, 23 Jan 2009 22:09:07 +0000 Mike George using recycled windows? http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13484 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13484 Thu, 02 Jul 2015 12:21:42 +0100 Carol hunter
we're building our second, lower impact/lower cost strawbale cottage with intentions to build with reused materials where possible. We have window frames which we'll need to glaze. Please would anyone who knows offer some advice about ensuring appropriate U values for the technically challenged - I remember a paer given at an AECB conference on exactly this topic which was dizying in its technical complexity and. I think, biled down to the secret being in the care with which the window is set into the building…I guess you can have the windows glazed by glass companies but don't know how the U value is then calculated…..???]]> Wall question for a garage http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13276 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13276 Tue, 07 Apr 2015 14:17:06 +0100 joe90 Insulating wall between house & conservatory? http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13274 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13274 Mon, 06 Apr 2015 14:19:30 +0100 skyewright
Additional insulation could be 25-50mm internal, &/or 50-100mm external.

If we used PIR, 50mm would give something like U=0,16 & 100mm U=0.11.

I think the (semi-)external option would be better? It would certainly be easier!

However, being original 1970 construction (aside from the CWI, & the conservatory, come to that) there's no vapour barrier inside, just plaster board, then a gap, then the first layer of block. I've never seen any sign of interstitial condensation (I cored a hole through the wall last Christmas). If we were to add vapour barrier to the inside it would probably be little additional effort to add a bit of insulation at the same time.

Any thoughts?]]> Building regs: floor insulation when extending a GF room http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13248 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13248 Sat, 28 Mar 2015 12:51:14 +0000 gravelld
What should have happened with floor insulation according to regs? Just applied to the new section?]]> Sound reduction of king span vs warmcel http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13222 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13222 Thu, 19 Mar 2015 06:48:31 +0000 cjard
140mm warmcel blown in between studs plus 80mm kingspan on the internal face of the wall over studs
or
140mm kingspan between studs plus 80 mm kingspan over studs

All other considerations aside, which one would make for the quieter house?]]> Airtight sheathing board. http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13069 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13069 Fri, 06 Feb 2015 13:39:58 +0000 an02ew I'm looking to improve upon my usual OSB3 sheathing board as we struggled to get our AT on test on our last project and have put it down to the OSB despite being carful handling and taping I suspect the OSB itself was our let down.

So has anyone found a reliable cost effective alternative?

1 must have similar racking resistance
2 excellent AT properties
3 cheap
4 available.

Thanks in advance.]]> How much to insulate a fully submerged basement wall http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13089 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13089 Tue, 10 Feb 2015 10:02:58 +0000 Doubting_Thomas
We're extending the basement of an existing listed building, the image below shows a simplified ground floor (left) and basement plan (right). Blue shows existing footprint and green shows new areas.

Due to listed status our options are limited so it's IWI to all walls. New build basement walls will be retaining so generally we're maintaining the same approach here with solid masonry walls and IWI, any EWI would likely be crushed. Yellow walls are lined out to achieve the same U-value (0.28 W/m²K) as above ground.

What I'm wondering is how much we need to insulate the new basement walls shown in red. They are not 'perimeter' walls in the sense that they will not be exposed to outside air, as they are completely beneath the ground floor footprint above. Following FosterTom's theory that the soil directly beneath a building will reach an equilibrium point if continuously heated, I'm wondering what our options are for these walls.

It would be ideal if we could reduce the IWI depth here as space is very restricted. I concede that the perimeter 'enclosure' for the soil here is just the existing building's foundations, so won't be insulated, but is there still a case for reduction?

Finding it difficult to find ways to model this scenario, although I'm gradually getting to grips with THERM if anyone can give me some pointers?]]> What is BBA all about http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13070 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13070 Fri, 06 Feb 2015 16:07:32 +0000 Triassic Electrical irresponsibility http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4763 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4763 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:32:03 +0000 tony
this happened long before a new meter was fitted

was that irresponsible or what???

how long before it all catches fire? any guesses!]]> UK air changes per hour - airtightness requirement? http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13049 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13049 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 08:02:35 +0000 Jason Matthews I can't see anything documenting this. I am guessing there is no legal requirement buy it would be very useful for me to get some documentation that confirms this as part of my research.

thanks]]> Building Regs: How close is 'close to a drain'? http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13029 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13029 Sat, 24 Jan 2015 14:11:41 +0000 Nick Parsons
The extension will be within Permitted Development, and hopefully the Regs can be dealt with via a Building Notice. *However*,Planning Portal states:



''You can apply for Building Regulations approval from your local authority Building Control Service by giving a building notice.

Plans are not required with this process so it’s quicker and less detailed than the full plans application. It is designed to enable some types of building work to get under way quickly; although it is perhaps best suited to small work.

There are also specific exclusions in the regulations as to when building notices cannot be used. These are:

For building work which is subject to section 1 of the Fire Precautions Act 1971
Part II of the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997
**For work which will be built close to or over the top of rain water and foul drains shown on the 'map of sewers'**
Where a new building will front onto a private street''

**My emphasis.

The manhole in question is the rearmost on a combined RW and foul drain, and receives only sink and washing machine water at present, but would receive foul too, from a proposed WC in the extension.

Is 300 - 400mm away from the manhole close enough to mean we have to do a full plans app?

Any experiences or thoughts?

Thanks.

Nick]]> Acoustic performance, floor thickness & Part E http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12986 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12986 Tue, 13 Jan 2015 10:21:54 +0000 ward32
I plan to use metal web joists @400cts and 256mm deep.]]> New Passive House categories http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11826 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11826 Mon, 03 Mar 2014 16:28:10 +0000 Ed Davies
http://www.passivehouse-international.org/download.php?cms=1&file=2014_03_03_New_Passive_House_Categories_Press_Release.pdf]]> What is the maximum gradient for a foul drain? http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12674 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12674 Tue, 14 Oct 2014 10:52:49 +0100 Triassic
The ground slopes and the gradient is around 1:21 over the first 40m and 1:100 over the rest.

What is the maximum gradient I should be looking at to meet building regs ? Also are there any rules on manhole size as I want to keep them a small as possible as they will be in lawned areas. Do I have to use any special bedding materials when installing the pipe?]]> sealed unit size http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12835 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12835 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 15:44:33 +0000 woodcutter I am about to make a four pane mono pitch roof light, can any one tell me what is the best cavity for the sealed units. I am thinking that 16mm with Argon with Pilkington K on the outside pane is the minimum I should be looking at, but would like any input from any one with experience of this. For safety should the inner pane be toughen or laminated?
thanks in advance]]> Building regs for a garage http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12785 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12785 Thu, 13 Nov 2014 11:41:40 +0000 joe90 do you really need all the extra standards and awards http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12716 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12716 Mon, 27 Oct 2014 19:46:51 +0000 terracedpete
are all the other award bodies worth the extra costs

i have been reading like mad on here on all the topics and subjects and people here speak of Breeem and passihus and so on, all of these people and their awards i take, it cost money ?

since we are not planning to sell the house in the long term are they worth there costs??

come to think of it what are there costs?]]> Mixing my own concrete for foundations http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12665 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12665 Sat, 11 Oct 2014 21:31:54 +0100 Triassic Enforcement Action by LABC on insulation. http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12605 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12605 Tue, 30 Sep 2014 09:06:21 +0100 tony
I am for ever seeing re-roofing and re rendering going on with no insulation being carried out and have a problem case where a free holder has insulated half a roof!]]> Segal method and radon http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12560 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12560 Tue, 16 Sep 2014 10:55:33 +0100 Ed Davies
From a practical point of view I think the combination of this very-well-ventilated solum undercroft and the roughly Passivhaus levels of airtightness above will mean that there will be no radon issues. The BCO is not averse to this argument.

However, that doesn't match any of the drawings in the BRE document the BCO has to hand which have pictures of cavity walls and the like. So what I'm wondering is if there is any documentation or case history I can point to which says that this sort of construction will be OK. Nick? Anybody?

CAT must have come across this so I might try them later. Findhorn who have a number of similar houses isn't shown as a radon area on the maps.

[¹] Edit to add: another reason for the boards is to substantially reduce wind blown rain hitting directly on the bottom of the floor. Any residual drops which get through will dry out very quickly (particularly in the sorts of wind when this could happen).]]> Driving up Standards http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12500 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12500 Fri, 29 Aug 2014 15:20:01 +0100 Triassic Statement of sustainability http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12463 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12463 Mon, 18 Aug 2014 20:56:43 +0100 Ed Davies
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/resource/buildingstandards/2013Domestic/chunks/ch08s02.html

Just had my building warrant application knocked back, as one does, including a question of what level I'm aiming for on this. Anybody know what the consequences of just saying "Bronze" or "Bronze Active" would be?]]> EWI and Gas Pipes http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12347 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12347 Thu, 17 Jul 2014 11:33:12 +0100 ragman
Looking at the possibilities of EWI at the moment but have external gas pipes on the property and cannot seem to get a straight/definitive answer on what the regulations are on whether they can (leaving aside whether it's a good idea or not) be buried under the insulation, or whether they have to be re-routed.

My local planning office were unable to advise and cannot get any sense out of British Gas so any help really appreciated, links to the regs would be ideal

Many thanks in advance]]> Certified Ventilation Engineer http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12405 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12405 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 07:17:31 +0100 Triassic SAP for off-grid no-combustion new build http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12330 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12330 Sun, 13 Jul 2014 11:30:14 +0100 Ed Davies
What it will likely not do at first is meet the requirements of provably being able to keep one apartment at 21 ° and the rest at 18 °C.

(But then I don't think I've ever lived anywhere that's met that requirement without silly-expensive amounts of heating. Even the house I lived in in Zambia for a year as a child probably cooled below 21 °C on at least a few nights a year in the dry season - it had no heating and the “house boy's” grandmother remembered once seeing frost.)

Originally my house designer was going to do the SAP rating for the house. He thought he could do it in a way that would meet the requirements. Unfortunately, the council now require somebody with some certificate or other to do the job so he's subbed it out. The new person has taken it all rather seriously and “escalated” questions up the certification chain. AIUI, she thinks there's a get-out clause if she can calculate that the PV and solar thermal will be sufficient for the job.

Maybe she or somebody up the chain to BRE can come up with a creative calculation which means I can get on with things. If not, though, any suggestions?

[1] http://edavies.me.uk/2014/07/energy-budget/]]> Code For Sustainable Homes http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8273 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8273 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:07:27 +0000 Nigejk
I am an architect and in the process of building my own house. I am a big fan of the CfSH in principle as it takes such a broad outlook on a property / project, something which all other standards seem to fail in. When looking at finding an assessor I was a bit taken aback by the price quotes, and consequently undertook the training myself to become an assessor as it would also be another string to my bow for my architectural practice http://www.pa-ad.co.uk/.

Through the training and my experience thus far it has become blatantly obvious that CfSH is great in principal but not in practice. I myself am going for level 6 on my project (http://the-old-lemonade-factory.blogspot.com/) but the extra cost involved is quite shocking, hence the reason it will never become mainstream. There are benefits involved such as reduced mortgage rates and exemption from stamp duty, as well as the personal satisfaction, a practical efficient and green home, but these do not help with the upfront costs involved.

I would say that levels 3 & 4 are reasonably easy to achieve, especially if you are going for some sort of ecohome, but 5 & 6 are hard to achieve and will come at considerable financial cost. An essential piece of advice would be to get someone involved who are competent with and have a good knowledge of CfSH at concept / planning stage. Leaving the assessment to the end could leave you with lots of stressful and financial headaches. It will also save you money, as you will be able to pre determine where you can score the amount of points you require and how do this economically - to revisit this afterwards can be very costly and extend the project time considerably.

I would also suggest that serious thought be given to why you want a CfSH rating as it is costly and with the higher levels quite restricting on how you design and build your home. I would even go as far as saying that unless a site is suited towards the CfSH criteria, it may be very hard to achieve a level 5 and impossible to get a level 6.

I hope people will find this info of some use.

Nigel]]> Who is responsible? http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12224 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12224 Thu, 19 Jun 2014 11:02:49 +0100 adwindrum Container Home in the UK http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12172 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12172 Thu, 05 Jun 2014 02:18:09 +0100 jamiekennerley
I'm almost complete with a container home project in Brazil (my wife is Brazilian) and we're looking to try to build a similar home in the UK. I would be keen to hear from anyone who's doing or done the same thing, and how they tackled planning permissions and other legalities. We're only at the very start in terms of dreaming up the project, but are wondering about the possibilities of buying grazing land, or a small disused car park and then looking to change the usage to allow building. Or, building in such a way to avoid the necessity of certain permissions - if that's possible. Are there any loopholes we can use here, in terms of buildings under a certain height/width/height from the ground etc? If anyone has any experience would be great to hear.

Thanks in advance,

Jamie]]> Measuring eaves height for permitted development http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12086 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12086 Wed, 14 May 2014 20:17:15 +0100 restorationcouple
We are planning to re-roof our utility/garage which currently has a single pitch. As it is built into sloped ground the walls and surrounding ground levels are different. We are planning on building a pitched roof so the walls will need to be leveled to the same height, i.e building the lower wall up.

As I read it, the 3m eaves height limit is measured from the highest adjacent natural ground level. However today I was told that all walls would have to be 3m maximum from ground level.

Can anyone shed any light on this?]]> Cords from radial circuits http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12142 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12142 Thu, 29 May 2014 10:01:45 +0100 Ed Davies The Electrician's Guide to the 17th Edition, first edition, by John Whitfield it says (pg 133) when talking about socket outlet circuits:

Generally, 0.5 mm² cords should be the smallest size connected to plugs fed by 30 A or 32 A ring circuits.
Apart from the following sentence, which discusses cords longer than 10 metres, it doesn't say anything more about minimum cord CSA for ring final circuits. Page 136, talking about radial circuits, says:

The minimum cross-sectional area for flexible cords should be:

0.5 mm² where the radial circuit is protected by a 16 A fuse or circuit breaker,
0.75 mm² for a 20 A fuse or circuit breaker,
or 1.0 mm² for a 30 A or 32 A fuse or circuit breaker.
Obvious question, why is is acceptable to plug a 0.5 mm² cord into a 32 A ring final circuit but not into a 20 A radial circuit?]]> MVHR Reasonable Flow Rates - are the regs OTT http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12012 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12012 Tue, 22 Apr 2014 18:39:31 +0100 Greenfish
Part F requires based on floor area at least 0.3 x 217 = 65 l/s flow, we divided this based on room volume between kitchen, bathroom and shower room, opened the vents and cranked up the fan to deliver sufficient flow at the "limiting terminus" the bathroom farthest from the unit. Ran around adjusting the vents to get the proportioned balanced flow rates (totaling 65l/s extract and 65l/s supply) for each room. That was fine but it is incredibly noisey at that level, the house was thrubbing! No way would we be happy living with this on continually, it was also drafty anywhere near a vent. Of course we have turned it down to a quietly comfortable level, but what gives, are we going to have problems - stuffiness, condensation etc. - if we don't live with the required minimum 65l/s flow?

If the reg values are sensible then is the fan noisy because it is under powered for length of ducting and volume of house it is serving? How do I find out and what can I do now?

I am hoping it is venitlation over kill and in reality a more gentle flow will work. We have been working here, air sealed and windows closed in the rain, and haven't noticed any lack of ventilation at all but haven't used the shower either.

Looking at volume the 65l/s flow is 234 m3/h or 0.43 ACH or 138cfm. I went seeking information from other authorities. The whole house requirements in the US are for 7.5cfm per person and 3cfm per 100 sqft. There are 2 of us hence 79.6cfm = 37.4l/s would be requred over there, a flow I can achieve without a headache. The house would need 7 people in it for the 65l/s to be necessary, yet people are complaining that these new US regs are too much!

Anyone care to share experiences with their MVHR flow settings.]]>