www.zerocarbonhub.org, “established to make Zero Carbon homes a reality from 2016″, promises “a series of workshops across England in February 2009 to explain the definition and outline the likely changes it will have on the house-building industry”, including one in Birmingham on February 12th.

We would love to hear of any other energy-saving building projects in Birmingham – add a comment or contact us.

The new wall using clay blocks is up to shoulder height. The clay blocks are unfired and use no cement. They are made from waste clay that is too “earthy” to use for making bricks, and they use much less energy to make than bricks or concrete blocks. They will also help to control heat and humidity in the finished building.

On Saturday 6 December over 50 visitors came to the open day and saw progress on site and samples of the different windows, insulation, reclaimed doors handles, rainwater harvesting kit, etc. – and ate mince pies!

Update: GreeninBrum has created a website for the Level 6 carbon-neutral house under construction in Balsall Heath, Birmingham at zerocarbonhouse.greeningbrum.org.uk

The concrete footings have been cast and steel frame have now been erected, and the system for rainwater harvesting is starting to be installed.

The blockwork which is made up of a combination of fully recycled ‘Enviroblocks’ and ‘Sumatec’ Blocks formed from compressed clay is due to start beginning of December so the superstructure of the building will soon start to grow. As the clay blocks are a completely natural product they are susceptible to the weather so hopefully the winter will not be too harsh.

By Christmas the ground floor superstructure should be complete with scaffolding erected ready for construction of the second floor.

If you would like more information on how the project is progressing or have any concerns please do not hesitate to give Site Manager Del Browne a call on 07970 416750.

Thanks to Matthew Bailey of SpellerMetcalfe Ltd. for this update.

Latest: GreeninBrum has created a website for the Level 6 carbon-neutral house under construction in Balsall Heath, Birmingham at zerocarbonhouse.greeningbrum.org.uk

SEE ALSO zerocarbonhouse.greeningbrum.org.uk.

The scheme extends an 2-bed Victorian house in Balsall Heath to give 4 bedrooms plus studio loft. The work has three aims: to be a carbon neutral family home; to work with the existing house; and good architectural design. As far as we know no other zero-carbon design in the UK is built around an existing house.

1. Zero carbon

The design is carbon neutral or “zero carbon”, meaning no fossil fuel is used. This is the highest standard in the new Code for Sustainable Homes, a world leading all-round measure of sustainability, covering energy, CO2 emissions, water, building materials, day-lighting, ecology, waste, pollution, etc. The Code has six levels of environmental sustainability. Level 1 is just above current Building Regulations. Level 6 is “net Zero Carbon” meaning renewable energy meets all the needs of the home, including heat and electricity. To date only one house has been certified to this level in the UK and this was a brand new building not a modification of an existing one.

2. Existing building

The proposals extend the existing Victorian house. It is obviously better and more sustainable to re-use rather build new because of the cost and energy of new construction.

3. Architecture – Green does not have to be dull!

Energy

• Thermal insulation: upgrading the existing and new structure to 20 times better than existing.
• Airtightness: sealed to a level 28 times better than existing, but retaining vapour permeability tostop condensation.
• Windows: triple glazing 12 times better than existing.
• Heavy construction: stores heat and cool to keep the house warm in winter and cool in the summer.
• Passive solar: glazing to provide winter solar gains. Summer shading with the existing ash tree. Low-energy lighting and A++ fittings.
• Solar roof: photovoltaic (PV) panels convert the sun’s energy into electricity and any surplus can be exported to the national grid. Solar hot water panels use the sun to heat hot water, stored in a large cylinder.
• Ventilation system: supplies fresh air warmed by recovering 95% of the heat from extracted stale air.
• Wood-burning stove: top-up space and water heating fuelled by wood from the garden.

Water

Low water use WCs, showers and taps. Rainwater harvesting: tank stores rainwater from the roof to supply the house. Grey water system: allows bath and shower water to be used for garden.

Materials

Highly ecological building materials include recycled newspaper insulation; reprocessed waste timber insulation boards; reclaimed timber; lime render and lime plaster with crushed recycled glass; reclaimed door handles; hydraulically-compressed load-bearing earth blocks; rammed clay floor screeds, non-polluting materials.

Others

Recycling, health & well-being, disabled facilities, minimising environmental impact of construction, drainage, ecology, bicycle storage.

John Christophers works for Associated Architects LLP, a Birmingham firm, and is an unpaid director of GreeninBrum CIC.

Contractor: SpellerMetcalfe Ltd.

UPDATE: GreeninBrum has created a website for the Level 6 carbon-neutral house under construction in Balsall Heath, Birmingham at zerocarbonhouse.greeningbrum.org.uk.