The Old Apple Store
The Old Apple Store in Stawell, Somerset is the first Private Sector housing development built at Code level 5 for sustainable homes in UK. This construction, situated on a brownfield site, consists of five private family homes- two detached four bedroom houses and three three-bedroom terraces. It was brought to life in 2008 by Pippin Properties Limited- a joint venture between Rowena, Charles Graham and Ecos Homes, who also were managing the build. Moreover, the whole process quality of the design and construction was supervised by the Building Control. Realising the commercial viability in higher sustainability level, Ecos Homes reached the desired level by reducing build times and using the most maintainable materials on the market. It leads to the main principle of Ecos Homes- that endurable design and construction is beneficial for the environment, inhabitants’ health and social good. Indeed, the Somerset design seams to merge several sustainable architectural factors. It is not only eco-technical, but eco-medical and eco-social too.
All the dwellings were constructed using environmentally friendly sustainable materials and techniques. The structural base was created using Glulam frame(i), made from a variety of smaller trees gathered from second and third-growth forests(ii). In this way Ecos Homes created a strong and versatile skeleton without disposing old growth solid-sawn timbers. Two of the units have balconies, which were erected as part of the frame, while being supported with posts, fixed to the stud. The buildings‘ walls were formed using Orientated Strand Board (OSB) cassettes, manufactured offsite, leading to faster and more efficient construction in terms of timber. Once erected, they were filled with light and organic recycled newspaper insulation, called Warmcell. To finish the construction, walls were insulated externally with wood fibre board, made with no further resin, and rendered with mineral or cladded with thermally treated softwood. To be more precise, Western Red Cedar weatherboard, characterised as a naturally decay resistant material. Such finish on the building requires no further maintenance or the use of PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) and chemical based synthetic paints, leading into smaller impact on the environment and better health. When it comes to inter- floor insulation, sheep wool was chosen in terms of its organic origin and ability to absorb and release moisture from the surrounding air, without implicating its thermal performance(iii). Moreover, it works as an acoustic insulator and is fire resistant. The whole building process was complicated due to the sloping rear walls and sloping flat roof. It was constructed using I beams with additional materials for vapour control and externally was finished with Sarnafil Single Ply membrane. This material requires little if any long term maintenance, due to its flexibility and durability. Throughout the process the building inspection had been compliant; however, some additional structural steels were required. Nevertheless, problems that occurred were worked out on the site, as the build was being managed by Ecos Homes themselves. Overall, most materials originated from wood while the rest were manufactured from organic and recyclable sources making the design eco- technic.
Onsite energy production and its efficient usage in the Old Apple Store development are enticing. Designed to reach 100%(iv) of the electricity demand generation, it reduces CO2 emission as well as additional costs for inhabitants. The design integrates itself into an ecological circle of renewable sources. Using rainwater harvesting technology, filtered rain water is used for toilet flushing and gardening, while photovoltaic cells creates the energy needed for solar thermal water heating. Whereas, any additional heating energy is created by automatic wood pellet burners that cycle themselves on and off controlled by a thermostat. Solar photovoltaic (PVs) are also used to generate the electricity for artificial lights and fans. Nevertheless, additional lightning energy demand is reduced to a minimum by natural sun light. The dwellings are built according to passive solar design with a South faced glazing. Meaning not only decreased demand for supplementary heating, but natural daylight in the main living spaces. In addition to this, the whole house power hub supplied by Green Energy Options allows detailed monitoring of energy, water, temperature and humidity. Due to wireless sensors and live web display, all details are reached within one touch screen, making it so much engaging and simplified for the inhabitants. Nevertheless, airtightness was regarded as a priority at these dwellings, as it prevents any excess heat loss through the fabric caused by air movement. To compliment this, sheep wool was used for insulation for its properties to increase thermal comfort and prevent condensation. Furthermore, triple glazed windows and doors, made of socially and environmentally responsible forestry timber, prevent heat loss through glass. Whereas, heat lost from water is reduced by insulating hot water pipes and running them through central service zone while using mini-bore where possible, so as to minimise the amount of water in the system. In addition to this, number of radiators is decreased by excluding them from the living space. The whole Stawell dwelling structure is designed to operate efficiently and provides very low U-values. It delivers a 100%(v) improvement on the building emission rate over a regular house. Old Apple Store design creates a circle of renewable energy as well as a pleasant place to live in.
This dwelling design offers an eco-social side for the inhabitants too. Being situated near several designated havens for wildlife, it creates an engaging bond with the nature and its beauty. Whereas, the specially landscaped courtyard is the first step to support wild life by providing dwellers with space to grow their own vegetables and herbs. Potentially, South facing gardens could even become a social activity and grow into communal leisure in the neighbourhood. In addition to this, socialising is encouraged with resident association, which is responsible for managing the shared facilities and any problems that may occur. Without a doubt, such privilege to live in a carbon free dwelling comes with an obligation to live green. People are encouraged to recycle. Far beyond the conventional methods, residents are provided with special compost bins outdoors, particularly designated for gardening and organic waste. Such ascetic, however, smart home becomes attractive also for its low maintenance. All glazing is covered with a special coating not only minimizing the time spent on house chores, but reducing the amount of water used to clean them as well. In addition to this, dwellers are taught to save natural and renewable resources by using rainwater and alternative energy. The latest and the most radical up-to-date intervention is the electrical car charging point. Such vehicles as well as alternative transport like bikes are really welcomed in this modern housing. Dwellers are fully supported to live healthy in every way.
All the dwellings were constructed using environmentally friendly sustainable materials and techniques. The structural base was created using Glulam frame(i), made from a variety of smaller trees gathered from second and third-growth forests(ii). In this way Ecos Homes created a strong and versatile skeleton without disposing old growth solid-sawn timbers. Two of the units have balconies, which were erected as part of the frame, while being supported with posts, fixed to the stud. The buildings‘ walls were formed using Orientated Strand Board (OSB) cassettes, manufactured offsite, leading to faster and more efficient construction in terms of timber. Once erected, they were filled with light and organic recycled newspaper insulation, called Warmcell. To finish the construction, walls were insulated externally with wood fibre board, made with no further resin, and rendered with mineral or cladded with thermally treated softwood. To be more precise, Western Red Cedar weatherboard, characterised as a naturally decay resistant material. Such finish on the building requires no further maintenance or the use of PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) and chemical based synthetic paints, leading into smaller impact on the environment and better health. When it comes to inter- floor insulation, sheep wool was chosen in terms of its organic origin and ability to absorb and release moisture from the surrounding air, without implicating its thermal performance(iii). Moreover, it works as an acoustic insulator and is fire resistant. The whole building process was complicated due to the sloping rear walls and sloping flat roof. It was constructed using I beams with additional materials for vapour control and externally was finished with Sarnafil Single Ply membrane. This material requires little if any long term maintenance, due to its flexibility and durability. Throughout the process the building inspection had been compliant; however, some additional structural steels were required. Nevertheless, problems that occurred were worked out on the site, as the build was being managed by Ecos Homes themselves. Overall, most materials originated from wood while the rest were manufactured from organic and recyclable sources making the design eco- technic.
Onsite energy production and its efficient usage in the Old Apple Store development are enticing. Designed to reach 100%(iv) of the electricity demand generation, it reduces CO2 emission as well as additional costs for inhabitants. The design integrates itself into an ecological circle of renewable sources. Using rainwater harvesting technology, filtered rain water is used for toilet flushing and gardening, while photovoltaic cells creates the energy needed for solar thermal water heating. Whereas, any additional heating energy is created by automatic wood pellet burners that cycle themselves on and off controlled by a thermostat. Solar photovoltaic (PVs) are also used to generate the electricity for artificial lights and fans. Nevertheless, additional lightning energy demand is reduced to a minimum by natural sun light. The dwellings are built according to passive solar design with a South faced glazing. Meaning not only decreased demand for supplementary heating, but natural daylight in the main living spaces. In addition to this, the whole house power hub supplied by Green Energy Options allows detailed monitoring of energy, water, temperature and humidity. Due to wireless sensors and live web display, all details are reached within one touch screen, making it so much engaging and simplified for the inhabitants. Nevertheless, airtightness was regarded as a priority at these dwellings, as it prevents any excess heat loss through the fabric caused by air movement. To compliment this, sheep wool was used for insulation for its properties to increase thermal comfort and prevent condensation. Furthermore, triple glazed windows and doors, made of socially and environmentally responsible forestry timber, prevent heat loss through glass. Whereas, heat lost from water is reduced by insulating hot water pipes and running them through central service zone while using mini-bore where possible, so as to minimise the amount of water in the system. In addition to this, number of radiators is decreased by excluding them from the living space. The whole Stawell dwelling structure is designed to operate efficiently and provides very low U-values. It delivers a 100%(v) improvement on the building emission rate over a regular house. Old Apple Store design creates a circle of renewable energy as well as a pleasant place to live in.
This dwelling design offers an eco-social side for the inhabitants too. Being situated near several designated havens for wildlife, it creates an engaging bond with the nature and its beauty. Whereas, the specially landscaped courtyard is the first step to support wild life by providing dwellers with space to grow their own vegetables and herbs. Potentially, South facing gardens could even become a social activity and grow into communal leisure in the neighbourhood. In addition to this, socialising is encouraged with resident association, which is responsible for managing the shared facilities and any problems that may occur. Without a doubt, such privilege to live in a carbon free dwelling comes with an obligation to live green. People are encouraged to recycle. Far beyond the conventional methods, residents are provided with special compost bins outdoors, particularly designated for gardening and organic waste. Such ascetic, however, smart home becomes attractive also for its low maintenance. All glazing is covered with a special coating not only minimizing the time spent on house chores, but reducing the amount of water used to clean them as well. In addition to this, dwellers are taught to save natural and renewable resources by using rainwater and alternative energy. The latest and the most radical up-to-date intervention is the electrical car charging point. Such vehicles as well as alternative transport like bikes are really welcomed in this modern housing. Dwellers are fully supported to live healthy in every way.