Kit Houses
Gale & Snowden are developing a series of ecological kit houses for self build or for complete prefabrication
Features include:
- Modular timber frame units
- Moisture permeable construction
- Superinsulation around the envelope of the house to minimise heat loss using recycled cellulose
- Airtight construction to prevent heat loss through the fabric of the building
- High performance, triple-glazed, super low-E timber windows and doors
- Materials: sustainably sourced, non-toxic, low in embodied energy
- Easily extendable
- Additional environmental features can be added in modular form e.g. rainwater collection
- Passive solar collection and solid thermal mass walls and floors
- Conservatory module also acts as extended season growing area
- Passive ventilation throughout
- Solar panels, wood burner, micro-bore under-floor heating
- Low energy and water use to reduce environmental impact and running costs
- Calculated less than £80 per year heating costs
Modular options include:
- Rainwater collection option
- Grey water filtration/irrigation option
- Compost toilet option
- Extension option – a variety of extension possibilities will be available due to the modular and simple construction approach. Extensions will be available for additional living accommodation, working from home or providing self-contained accommodation for a growing family or for care of an elderly relative
- Conservatory option – single or two-storey unheated possibilities for extending growing period and increasing solar gain to spaces in the house
- Garage option – stand alone or integrated with building
- Cold store for storage of food – designed using natural ventilation and high levels of humidity, particularly aimed at storing fresh fruit and vegetables
Permaculture garden design service can also be provided; integrating human occupancy into natural systems:
- Enhancing micro-climates via walled garden, reflection of sun from pond into conservatory/potting area
- Food productions
- Rainwater collection system
- Aquaculture pond collecting rainwater overspill
- Compost toilet to provide nutrient recycling
- Mini forest garden and herb bed companion planting
- Shelter and shade
- Habitat creation, encouraging natural ecosystems
For additional information please email us at info@ecodesign.co.uk
