The Green Building Bible vol 1 + 2 (green building press)
http://www.greenbuildingbible.co.uk/
Monday, 1 December 2008
Ecovillage Findhorn
This village has been looking into sustainable living since 1962.
"We have erected 45 ecological buildings to date and there are ongoing plans for the continued construction of a built environment which is ecologically respectful.The Ecovillage Project has developed a unique construction system, environmentally sound and energy efficient. Using natural and non-toxic materials we have developed a breathing wall structure, which allows the fabric of a building to interact beneficially with people to moderate humidity and air quality. We have also experimented with straw bale construction, the Earthship system using recycled car tyres, and remain open to further new and innovative ecological solutions for the built environment."
Ecological details featured in our buildings include:
"We have erected 45 ecological buildings to date and there are ongoing plans for the continued construction of a built environment which is ecologically respectful.The Ecovillage Project has developed a unique construction system, environmentally sound and energy efficient. Using natural and non-toxic materials we have developed a breathing wall structure, which allows the fabric of a building to interact beneficially with people to moderate humidity and air quality. We have also experimented with straw bale construction, the Earthship system using recycled car tyres, and remain open to further new and innovative ecological solutions for the built environment."
Ecological details featured in our buildings include:
- Use of passive solar features where possible through orientation and window layout.
- Use of solar panels for domestic hot water heating.
- A district heating system using a gas condensing boiler for highest fuel efficiency.
- Super efficient insulation (U-values of 0.2 watts/m2 C in roof, walls and floors).
- Low-energy light bulbs throughout.
- Triple glazing (U=1.65 watts/m2 C).
- Cellulose insulation (made from recycled paper).
- Non-toxic organic paints and wood preservatives throughout.
- Boarding manufactured without the use of toxic glues or resins.
- Locally grown and harvested timber from managed forests.
- Local stone for skirting, patios and pathways.
- Roofing with natural clay tiles.
- Innovative 'breathing wall' construction allowing a controlled exchange of air & vapour, and eliminating the need for a conventional vapour barrier.
- Suspended timber floors for underfloor air circulation to avoid any possible build-up of radon gas.
- Isolating electrical circuits to reduce electromagnetic field stress.
- Water conservation (showers, low-flush toilets and self-closing taps).
- Collection and recycling of rainwater for garden use.
- Shared facilities (laundry, kitchens, lounges) avoiding unnecessary duplication.
- Simple timber frame construction and detailing, suitable for Self Building
Halvorsen architects
http://halvorsen-architects.co.uk/Philosophy
"Halvorsen Architects’ interest lies in modern design and how it may sympathetically be integrated into its context. The practice does this by letting its design philosophy govern everything from the planning strategy to the choice of materials and their careful detailing. Our buildings harmonise with their surroundings, both urban and rural. "
"Halvorsen Architects’ interest lies in modern design and how it may sympathetically be integrated into its context. The practice does this by letting its design philosophy govern everything from the planning strategy to the choice of materials and their careful detailing. Our buildings harmonise with their surroundings, both urban and rural. "
Green Thinking
"Halvorsen Architects believes that building sustainably not only benefits future generations but a building's current occupants. Wherever possible we introduce "green" features, such as use of daylight, non-toxic materials and breathable walls, to create a healthier and more comfortable internal environment. Breathable walls, for example, control a building's indoor air quality by naturally regulating humidity levels. They therefore reduce the risk of common complaints such as asthma. Halvorsen Architects' emphasis is on reducing the energy demands of a building, so the source of that energy becomes less important. This is mainly done by super-insulation and natural cooling. There is a misconception that green buildings cost more. They do not have to. Many of sustainable features that have a greater capital cost have a pay back and therefore are more economic in the long term, for example geothermal heating."
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