Tree Tops

Tree Tops is a replacement dwelling in Gloucestershire replacing the existing 100 year old damp cottage. We were instructed by the clients to design and build a passivhaus – low energy, timber frame family home.

Working closely with the clients we were able to design their dream home within a restricted budget but still maintaining the low energy requirements. This project is a fantastic example that building a sustainable and low energy home is not as expensive as one may assume. This was achievable with Passiframe constructing the timber frame structure alongside the clients then leaving the clients to complete the remainder of the works themselves. As a family of builders and the owner, Ian, a Carpenter of 35 years the finished build is a great example of the pulling together of skills and drive to achieve the ultimate end goal.

The timber frame construction took approximately seven weeks to construct. We then left the clients to continue self building the project to completion with regular site visits to support the development of the project.

Key features:

• Airtightness test result .21 ACH
• Isoquick insulation foundation with power floated concrete floor finish
• Warmcel cellulose fibre insulation
• Green Building Store high performance triple glazed timber windows supplied by Passiframe
• Air source heat pump and solar thermal water heating
  
• Paul ventilation system and ductwork supplied by Green Building Store
  
• Built to passivhaus standards (awaiting certification)
  
• ProClima high performance airtightness tapes and membranes supplied by Passiframe

Accolades:

– First certified passivhaus in the Forest of Dean (pending certification)