Where can I see an Ecohouse being built?
Please refer to our project page and contact us to arrange viewings.
Are you affiliated to any particular manufacturer or service provider?
We are completely independent and are able to provide unbiased advice on the true benefits and cost efficiencies of all eco products, technologies, materials and building methods.
As a company, how do you support your local community and economy?
We aim to use local builders, craftsmen, professionals and suppliers where possible.
Does an Ecohouse come with a guarantee?
All new Ecohouses have a ten year NHBC or Zurich house warranty or Architect’s certificate as standard. Ecohouse Ltd also offers a one year defects guarantee.
What other financial help is available?
Grants are available to offset the costs of many renewables technologies. When these technoligies are incorporated in the project, we will manage the grant applications.
Can I get a mortgage on an Ecohouse?
An Ecohouse is fully mortgageable through high street lenders. Lower outgoings on energy and water bills mean that Ecohouse owners could command mortgages based on a higher multiple of their income than standard packages.
How is an Ecohouse healthier than any other house?
We use non-toxic, natural building materials which ensure good indoor air quality. Electromagnetic fields are minimized and an Ecohouse’s wind tight construction and Heat Recovery Ventilation controlled levels of indoor humidity ensure a healthy environment.
Can an Ecohouse reduce our water bills?
As well as collecting rainwater for use in the garden, rainwater can be collected in an underground tank and used for washing machines and toilets. Water saving devices such as low flow systems on taps and toilets are also used to reduce water bills.
What other features could an Ecohouse contain?
Ait tight construction; increased insulation; energy efficient lighting; triple glazed low-e and argon filled windows, recycled newspaper reinforced plasterboard, natural paints and oils, etc.
What is solar gain and how is it used in an Ecohouse?
Solar gain is the use of the sun’s energy and light. An Ecohouse is oriented to make the most of sunlight and heat through glazing on the southern aspect with less on the north side. Solid floors and walls absorb and store direct heat from the sun while south facing sun rooms and porches store warm air which can then be used to ventilate the rest of the house. We use Passivhaus software to fine tune the solar gain and heat loss through windows balance for each Ecohouse.
Tell me about the materials an Ecohouse might be built from?
Wherever possible, Ecohouse uses environmentally sustainable building materials that are closest to their natural state, locally sourced and timber from sustainable forests. We use natural materials for insulation, wooden doors and windows, and quality reclaimed building materials wherever possible.
What building techniques does an Ecohouse incorporate?
An Ecohouse is most commonly a timber frame construction using FSC I studs, recycled newspaper insulation, external woodfibre sarking boards, internal OSB vapour control layer, woodfibre filled service cavities, local timber cladding of lime based render finish. The base typically consists of a highly insulated concrete slab with a high recycled cement and aggregate content, optimum perimeter insulation and reverse insulation to make the most of its thermal mass.
What is the market value of an Ecohouse compared to a conventionally built home?
According to a recent survey by CABE, 84% of UK homebuyers are prepared to pay more for an eco-friendly home.
How affordable is an Ecohouse?
In general an Ecohouse will cost between between £1,750 and £2,000/m2 depending on the internal fixtures and fittings. Typically this figure includes the design fees, foundations and drainage. So a well sized 2 bedroom house will cost with 100m2 internal floor area will cost around £175,000 to build and a well sized 4 bedroom house with an internal floor area of 150m2 around £260,000.
Are Ecohouses all the same?
We design to individual requirements, taking into account budget and a site’s orientation and natural setting. All Ecohouses are solid homes which are visually appealing and fit comfortably into the local area’s architecture, landscape and character.
How do I know that these technologies will actually work?
We design our houses to Passivhaus design, which means that the space heating for the house is minimal. A small woodburner or tiny radiator will provide ample heating for the whole house. We provide detailed calculations to show you the savings your Ecohouse can make for you. Ample insulation, airtight construction, careful detailing and good solar design are the key to successful energy efficient design.
Why do we need to think about how our homes are constructed?
Fuel prices are escalating, the world’s reserves of fossil fuels are being depleted and the planet’s rainforests are being devastated. By making changes to our homes now we will be making our world better for future generations. In 20 years we believe everyone will have highly energy efficient houses and probably some form of wind, solar or alternative energy system – it will be considered the norm.