Fabric First Design

In a world of rising consumption, and deminishing resourses, carbon use and energy costs are becoming a key factor in constructing and inhabiting new homes. The most obvious solution to reducing carbon footprint and energy costs is green tech, which does have a place, but is not the most effective way to achieve these goals.

Well designed homes that take a fabric first approach to construction, and make use of solar gain or natural shading, result in energy requirements for space and water heating being signifcantly reduced. If the energy requirements of a home are reduced and this energy is provided through green tech then we're winning at every step. So how do we do this?

A fabric-first approach addresses essential elements that, when properly managed, lead to an efficient and comfortable home.

Insulation - The obvious one to start. If a home is well insulated then heat transfer between hot & cold environments (inside & outside) is reduced. The heat stays on the inside in the winter but, conversly, on the outside in the summer ensuring internal spaces stay cool and shaded. Different construction methods allow different solutions to this, however, a 'Wyse' home far exceeds the thermal requirements of the building regulations ensuring the heat you pay for stays where you need it.

Fabric Continuity - One of the most significant causes of heat loss is leakage. Did you know that new homes have to be air tested to ensure a degree of air tightness? Did you also know that a home passess this air test if it can be demonstrated that the warm air in you home doesn leak at more than 8cu m/hr. This means that if you have a room that is 2m x 2m you are effectivly heating the room from cold every hour! A 'Wyse' home does somewhat better than that with target air tests of 1cu m/hr.

Fabric continuity also addresses cold bridging around constructed elements. We design and buld to ensure thast the cold bridgeing is avoided and heat stays where you want it.

Orientation - This is designing to ensure the most constant sourse of heat we have (the sun) is both used and protected against. Large format glazing is often a welcome addition to homes with occupiers enjoying natural light and potentially (in an area like Highweek) beautiful views, however, North facing windows loose heat and South facing glazing risks excessive thermal gain and overheating (think green house). Consideration of orientation in a building ensures that thermal gain can be captured and, where necessary, protected against.

We're enaging with the local community to understand what elements of design are important to you. You can contribute by completing the questionnaire and you can be kept up to date by subscribing to the Newsletter. Why net get involved?

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