Davigdor Road
Design
Davigdor Road is a current project that is allowing us to explore the ways in which carbon emissons can be reduced in the inhabited life of a building.
Using a fabric first approach and taking lessons from Passiv Haus and Enerfit models, as well as utilising many sustainable technologies such as MVHR, Air-Source Heat Pumps and Solar, we have designed a building that will have a net-positive impact on the grid.
In order to explore these ideas and technologies as much as possible, we are taking a 100 year old mock Tudor house and constructing a large extension to the back of it, this is allowing us to look at both deep retrofit and new-build techniques.
Build
To achieve the increased airtightness and insulation levels needed in the existing part of the building, we are adding floor insulation and membranes as well as wet plastering the walls and adding membranes to the ceilings. We are also externally insulating the sides and rear of the building, whilst internally insulating the front to retain the original character of the building.
In the extension we decided to utilise a solid wall construction, with external insulation and render. This is allowing us to fully wrap the building in insulation, thereby eliminating any cold bridges. We are also experimenting with air tightness paint between the outside blockwork and internal facing bricks.
