Wed, 29 Jul 2026 03:51:36 +0100 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=3000 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=3000 Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:36:11 +0000 Jonti
I have been out of the UK for the last 18 years and so my knowledge of it is somewhat out dated. Believe me, seeing the country for 3 to 4 weeks a year isn't enough to stay in touch with all that is going on:confused:

I have a new project in Scotland, which will hopefully go to planning in Feb/March 09 and start with the build in late summer/early autumn 09. I will not go into specific location details until planning is granted but will describe the project as well as I can below.

The project is to be a Golf Course (9 holes) with B&B, living accommodation and small clubhouse. I already have the land and the golf course construction is already taken care of as I come from that area (this will be the 8th course for me). The idea is to make the whole project to a zero carbon footprint standard. I know I can achieve this with the golf but have no idea about the best way to go with the buildings.

I will be going with a timber frame kit house for the B&B/accommodation with an existing building being renovated for the clubhouse. There will also be a central courtyard which will be glassed over to provide an area for people to sit and have a drink.

At the moment I have nothing planned except the general shape of the building. I would be grateful for any advice on what I should be looking at. Budget is an issue, this is very much a low budget project. It will be promoted as an environmentally friendly facility and so it must meet these criteria.

What should I be looking at?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=614 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=614 Thu, 30 Aug 2007 20:27:59 +0100 Katymac
I really appreciate all the help you have given me

But the finance just doesn't add up - the risk of losing my home is just too high

Thank you all again]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=35 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=35 Fri, 09 Feb 2007 16:03:47 +0000 nigel
Also anyone used Marmoleum that can provide any advice?

Thanks]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=2418 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=2418 Sun, 24 Aug 2008 09:19:38 +0100 tony
But in the new Heathrow T5 there isnt one! choose from a lift or an escalator or setting off an alarm or risking life and limb on the car park ramps.

How much is it costing in electricity to run there escalators? Many seem to be running 24/7 but not getting used????? or virtually not used.

Is it true that as many people go up as come down so net energy use should be only frictional losses only with good design management.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1660 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1660 Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:56:49 +0100 Katymac I think it's bricks with render (quite think render from what I can tell)

The roof is sound - but I need to put in a false ceiling and insulate above it

The walls appear to be in excess of 12 inches thick - so I don't think I can add additional insulation

The windows are (unfortunately) double glazed (uPVC) so that will have to stay until I can afford to do something in the future

(in case you are wondering I have given up the nursery in the barn idea - for a variety of reasons)]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1919 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1919 Sat, 14 Jun 2008 23:04:01 +0100 Katymac
Want to replace the old rotten windows & have been told I need PP to do this

Can anyone explain why?

I am actually intending to change the windows but even if I replaced like with like (just double glazed) I would still need PP - it seems daft

Is it because it is a commercial building? If so why?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1849 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1849 Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:24:49 +0100 nigel
As there is nowhere for the air to go it is very difficult to get these doors to shut smoothly and then in the summer when all the windows are open all the doors have a tendency to slam as they have been set to compensate for the higher pressure during the winter.

Anyone any ideas how to reduce or resolve this problem?

Thanks]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1758 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1758 Tue, 20 May 2008 21:41:47 +0100 Katymac
I have nothing - no radiators no bolier no electric no gas (no water)

I'm soon to be getting electric, water (& hopefully drains of some sort)

But how do I heat it?

Disinclined to use oil or lpg

Would like to have a GSHP - but I think I am out of my price range (I'm assuming it would cost about £15K)
Would consider pellets/woodchip - but they don't seem much less expensive
Log burners need looking after & space

Help please (& can you talk basic stuff for me....I'm feeling delicate atm after failing so spectacularly with the last one)]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1753 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1753 Mon, 19 May 2008 22:08:34 +0100 Katymac
OFSTED insist on the idea that children (at nursery)need lots of time outside - so I am going to have large amounts of time with a door open

So apart from supplying my staff with coats - are there anyways to keep warm (paid for) air inside?

BTW I am guessing not......but I thought I'd ask:wink:]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1290 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1290 Sat, 23 Feb 2008 17:07:22 +0000 Katymac
He reckons that the cracks have got substantially worse and that there are really issues with it's stability - he won't touch it unless we get a structural engineer out to look at it asap

What is my position with planning about this?

If they have given permission to convert - will I need additional permission to pull down & rebuild or will it be OK?

Everytime I get anywhere I seem to get kicked in the teeth with this - maybe I should just give up]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1299 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1299 Tue, 26 Feb 2008 09:10:00 +0000 nigel
Does anyone know of anyone who could carry this out please?

Thanks]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1250 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1250 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 21:11:58 +0000 Katymac
You have lived through all my attempts to get this nursery sorted & we are much closer

I have planning permission, some sort of preliminary certificate from Building control, we are a co-op, we are about to access funding. So everything is going very well

Now the Architect has produced tender documents & will help me decided on builders - so we need to find local (greenish) builders in East Norfolk

Does anyone have any ideas?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=639 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=639 Thu, 06 Sep 2007 21:42:55 +0100 Katymac
It's for my eco nursery (which maybe ressurected.....hopefully)]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=860 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=860 Mon, 12 Nov 2007 20:23:30 +0000 sainttrinians@dsl.pi The building divided into five separate heating zones and I wish to be able to control the heating in each of five zones all with there own separate time schedules.
It would be helpful if the programme is able to record bookings for each zone (as a diary / calendar for morning, afternoon and evening use with 12 months advanced schedule of dates) and use the information to control the heating. At present I am using the Microsoft Outlook Calendar for the booking which is very user fiendly but is unable to control heating (unless you know better).
I would also be grateful if member has tried to obtain grants for using renewable energy for a church property if so could they advise the best approach to make and who to? Grants seem to be available for community halls and homes etc but not churches!]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10 Wed, 31 Jan 2007 22:08:50 +0000 tony
Should passive solar design be mandatory for all public buildings , offices and schools?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=669 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=669 Tue, 18 Sep 2007 21:01:56 +0100 Katymac
It was unanimous

So serious planning starts here (plus advertising)]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=220 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=220 Tue, 24 Apr 2007 19:57:09 +0100 Katymac
It's quite a big commitment to actually sign the agreement

I'm scared:sad: - but hopeful?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=87 Thu, 08 Mar 2007 07:59:23 +0000 Katymac
Amazonails are going to do the plans
After PP & BR, I will

Arrange site power (generator until power arrives), hire a portaloo & dig a trench to get the water connected (using a hose until that is fitted)
Clear the barn & surrounding areas of junk/rubbish etc
Remove the roof (asbestos - £6.5K)
Lower walls, block up existing holes, cut for new windows (keeping old block/rubble to be crushed for car park foundations)
Arrange drainage (to interior floor level), cess pit (probably) & either rainwater tanks or soakaways (although I think I need one of them any way for overflow)
Put the new roof on this is about a metre wider & longer in each direction - the materials used are still to be decided - concrete tiles, onduline, roofing felt & shingles are all in the running with metal as a low possibility
Foundations of straw bale wall (AN course?)
Strawbale wall (AN Course?)
Fit windows & doors
Exterior finish (not sure if this is a plaster or a render or both.....waiting for clarification)

Then we do the interior
floor/heating
Partitions & ceiling
1st fix plumbing
1st fix electric
2nd fix joinery
2nd fix plumbing - Kitchen fitting & Bathroom
2nd fix electric
Paint walls white
Lay linoleum (if I can afford it or vinyl if I can't)

At least I think that's how it will go
The big question is how much (if any) of that I can do
I can paint the walls, but I need to decide if I should attend these courses on strawbaling et al so that I can carry on with it if it doesn't get finished on a course
Also whether I am physically capable of doing that sort of work or whether I pay someone to attend the courses & pay wages to do the work (I would need to pay for the course & thier wgae while they attended I guess)

Amazonails say I need to provide food for the courses & I don't worry about that an extra 12-22 to feed at lunch-time doesn't phase me (as long as they aren't too fussy)]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15 Thu, 01 Feb 2007 21:40:31 +0000 Katymac
So if you had to create a 200 sqm building with a kitchen, 6 toilets and about 50 linear m of inside partition wall
I also need
Car Parking 600sqm
lorry turning circle 25sqm -
Paths 50 sqm
Play area 180 sqm
Fencing approx 125 linear m

I'd like
Biofuel Heating
Underfloor heating
Solar panels
Rainwater harvesting

Can we make any of this really really cheap??]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=142 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=142 Tue, 27 Mar 2007 09:20:26 +0100 andy
The eco build query was in reference to a proposed timber built 2 storey office. The main structure is glulam beams with timber I-beam secondary structure. The offices are small 18 x 9m footprint and open plan. 250mm insulation in the walls, 350 in the roof.

This isn't great for thermal mass. Does anyone out there have any experience of incorporating high thermal mass into 1st floors of this type? The idea would be to use the 1st floor for heating / cooling.

Normal practice would be to use a steel frame with pre stressed concrete inserts - I would like to find out if there is an alternative.

Cheers for now,

Andy]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=48 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=48 Wed, 14 Feb 2007 08:19:24 +0000 Katymac
I am assuming
Water Connection £1,000.00
Drainage £9,000.00
Electrics £7,500.00
Heating £10,000.00
Kitchen & bathroom £4,000.00
Landscaping
Car Parking 600sqm 25sqm -£8,000.00
Paths 50 sqm £1,500.00
Play area 180 sqm
Fencing @ £30 approx 125 linear m £4,000.00
Total £13,500.00 £13,500.00

Grand Total £45,000.00


Then either the money to pull down the barn & use the base (don't know how much that would be?) or the cost of the concrete base - which would be more expensive?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=150 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=150 Wed, 28 Mar 2007 19:47:51 +0100 Katymac
But someone has suggested that I use a steel frame to "stabilise" the straw bales

I'm not sure they need stabilising but if they did would a steel frame have any advantages?

The idea (as I understand it) is to put up 4 legs outside the walls - stick a metal roof on top & go from there..........is that a good idea?

I have a feeling it will cost more]]>