Low Impact House, Cambridge
Self Build & Design article on project - download pdf
Ecoplus windows specified for contemporary sustainable newbuild project
Completed in 2010, Gavin Langford Architects have designed a new build contemporary sustainable home within a suburban setting in Cambridge which aimed to create an architecturally interesting house that was enjoyable to live in and performed well environmentally. High levels of insulation of the building fabric, airtightness and the use of thermal mass have meant the building goes beyond building regulation requirements. Passive solar design principles to optimise solar gain and make use of the orientation of the house were employed. Other environmental features include: timber superstructure with Warmcel and wood fibre board insulation; breathable building fabric; ballasted brown roofs; natural self-finished materials; the use of lobbies; and triple glazing throughout (including all rooflights). The house’s energy needs are met by a combination of: MVHR; underfloor heating and wood burning stove; and solar PV panels. Water-saving measures at the project include water flow restrictors and limited rainwater harvesting.
The design of windows and glazing in the building is refreshing and playful to achieve good levels of natural daylighting, while also preserving privacy within the house. Different shaped and sized windows are used strategically to create interesting light diffusion within the house, as well as optimising passive solar gain. Larger glazing areas are used to the southerly orientation to afford views and enhance solar gain, while the northern end (and sides of the house overlooking neighbours) deliberately has smaller glazing areas – either circular or narrow rectangular shaped which also add visual interest to the house and create interesting natural lighting effects within the house. A striking wooden louvre system was also employed to prevent the house overheating in summer, which also helps diffuse light within the house and further aid privacy.
Green Building Store’s triple glazed Ecoplus range was specified for all the varied windows and doors for the project. The specification process involved careful research into products that offered low environmental impact in all aspects of production and use.
Gavin Langford, Architect: “We were looking for a high performance, high quality window that was elegant and simple to use. We also wanted something with low embodied energy, made efficiently with sustainably sourced engineered timber and natural finishes. Ecoplus met all the requirements for the project. The fact that Ecoplus is made in the UK was also very attractive”.
Before specifying, the clients and architect were able to see Ecoplus windows installed at Magdalene College, Cambridge, and were able to see how Ecoplus was performing in situ, along with a visit to Green Building Store’s Heath House Mill workshops to view production, which helped with the decision-making process.
The project was completed in November 2010 and the house has performed well over the winter. Gavin Langford, Architect: “We have been very pleased with Ecoplus – it is a good product, elegant and well-designed. As with most building components, you do get what you pay for and we have found the quality, due to the handmade nature of production, to be higher than standard factory-made windows. We would definitely consider using Ecoplus for future projects”.
Architect: Gavin Langford Architects, Cambridge
Tel: 01223 847200, Email: info@gavinlangfordarchitects.com
www.gavinlangfordarchitects.com
