New Build Dwelling Constructed to Level 3

The proposals for a new build dwelling constructed to Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes were introduced following a long and protracted planning approval process and therefore the brief required little external amendments to the approved scheme.

 

The dwelling achieved level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes by:

- achieving a 25% reduction in CO2 levels from a Part L of the Building Regulations. This was achieved by introducing a Solar Hot Water heater and better (although cost effective) fabric insulation. The Cavity Walls were filled with 100mm of insulation, the roof had 180mm and the floor had 100mm. The windows were double glazed, argon filled and achieved a very good u-value rating.

- achieving a water usage of less than 80 l/person/ day. This was achieved by utilising rainwater harvesting (for WC's and washing machine) as well as low flow taps.

- achieving better than 75% energy efficient lighting, good levels of day lighting

- achieving Lifetime Homes. Lifetimes homes was achieved by incorporating several features including level thresholds, heights of service controls, widths of corridors etc.

- achieving Secure By Design accreditation. This involved several site and building specific elements and to ensure the windows and doors were accredited.

- incorporating energy efficient appliances, Home User Guide, reducing Construction Site Impacts

- the above is only a brief and general indication of the features involved in creating a new build dwelling constructed to level 3. The entire process for developing a bespoke environmentally friendly family home or any home required to achieve the Code for Sustainable Homes includes many other aspects, which were incorporated at the first stages. It is vital that the Code Assessor is appointed at the earliest opportunity.

 

The Benefits of the House

Whilst being a bespoke environmentally friendly family home, we believe the principles of the Code for Sustainable Homes, makes for a better home, both internally and externally.

The Code requires certain standards of external space, including garden area, cycle storage, refuse storage, washing lines etc. Internally, sound insulation, building flexibility for the future, provision for a home office and day lighting also help to improve any house.

 

This particular new build dwelling constructed to level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes, requires no real alterations to the way the family will live in the property, although will encourage them to think more about the environment, but will reduce their energy, water and sewerage bills. The house has been designed to maximise daylight and to be a better place to live. 

 

The Cost of the Dwelling

This dwelling, a bespoke environmentally friendly family home, was constructed to a similar budget to any other one off dwelling. The Code for Sustainable Homes elements (other than the energy reduction) had limited additional costs. Many items, if incorporated at the initial stages, have limited impact - for example most of the lifetime homes, home office, day lighting, water usage, cycle storage, energy labelled white goods, energy efficient lighting etc

 

Generally the owners internal requirements, for example bespoke kitchen, Duravit sanitary ware, Hans Grohe taps etc had a bigger impact on the overall budget.

 

Please see the section on costs in relation to the Code for Sustainable Homes.