Green Building Forum - Gaden Room Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:35:56 +0100 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 Gaden Room https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16948&Focus=287723#Comment_287723 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16948&Focus=287723#Comment_287723 Sat, 27 Feb 2021 23:57:26 +0000 betamaxbandit first time posting here.
I'm designing a garden room. It will be split in two; one area for entertaining and another for an office for use all year round. Dimension are 3 x 7 metres. Location Bristol, UK.
Thinking of building using SIPs (250mm from http://www.supersips.uk.com/). I hope to achieve a high airtightness level.

I'm just started to feel my way around in the SIP area and have a few questions.

I take some inspiration from Matt Risinger's youtube channel. Located in the US, he promotes the use of Huber ZIP System® Insulated R‑Sheathing and Flashing: ZIP System™ stretch tape.

1) I'm assuming these are not available in the UK. Can anyone suggest an alternatives please?

2) The entertaining area must have a large door opening. I'm thinking of a bifold door. Can anyone suggest a mid range priced unit that will give reasonable airtightness (good seals) and good u values?

3) Where do I start trying to choose windows and doors and getting a good installer who knows about passive house principles (eg tapes)?

4) If I achieve airtightness levels I assume I'll need some ventilation in the building. What do people recommend for this; single room heat recovery?]]> Gaden Room https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16948&Focus=287728#Comment_287728 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16948&Focus=287728#Comment_287728 Sun, 28 Feb 2021 10:28:40 +0000 Peter_in_Hungary https://www.i-sells.co.uk/blauberg-heat-recovery-ventilation-unit-silent-whole-house-mvhr-system-slimline-low-profile-and-void-mounting-komfort-ultr
This is the same unit as
https://ventilation-system.com/series/vue-vut-100-p-mini
Some badge engineering going on. Doubtless there are others]]> Gaden Room https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16948&Focus=287730#Comment_287730 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16948&Focus=287730#Comment_287730 Sun, 28 Feb 2021 11:24:45 +0000 djh Posted By: betamaxbanditHuber ZIP System® Insulated R‑Sheathing and Flashing: ZIP System™ stretch tape
I assume this is airtightness tape of some kind? The brands you'll see most often on here are Pro Clima and Siga. Both do a range of tapes (and membranes) for various purposes and have a good reputation for product quality (i.e it stays stuck for many years, unlike a lot of tapes). Siga Rissan is what I used when I wanted to stretch around odd-shaped things. Pro Clima Tescon Vana/Profil for window and door frames etc.

Where do I start trying to choose windows and doors and getting a good installer who knows about passive house principles (eg tapes)?

Where depends on what you're looking for in terms of price, technology (wood, UPVC etc), airtightness, U-value etc. Good installers are like hens teeth. A better plan is to do it yourself, IMHO, ideally with some helpers.]]> Gaden Room https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16948&Focus=287735#Comment_287735 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16948&Focus=287735#Comment_287735 Sun, 28 Feb 2021 19:30:39 +0000 jamesingram Gaden Room https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16948&Focus=287736#Comment_287736 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16948&Focus=287736#Comment_287736 Sun, 28 Feb 2021 19:39:04 +0000 jamesingram Doors windows , you could start looking at Norman or Greenbuilding store , then work your way down in cost and quality.
I've a personal preference for sliding doors over bifolds , far less to go wrong , better long term. If it's used all year round how often will you have it fully open , some summer months perhaps, a double or triple slider doesn't really reduce you space that much most the year, less mullions blocking your view as well.
If you're not going full PH windows etc. Visoglide do some good mid price alli DG products with thinner frames]]> Gaden Room https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16948&Focus=287740#Comment_287740 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16948&Focus=287740#Comment_287740 Sun, 28 Feb 2021 20:16:52 +0000 djh Posted By: jamesingramI've a personal preference for sliding doors over bifolds , far less to go wrong , better long term.
+1 on this - we have a lifting, sliding door. It came down to a toss-up between Livingwood and Greensteps for us, but we were looking for PH certification.]]> Gaden Room https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16948&Focus=288388#Comment_288388 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16948&Focus=288388#Comment_288388 Wed, 24 Mar 2021 22:30:48 +0000 betamaxbandit thanks for all the useful comments. I've been researching some of those leads. I'm waiting for a drawing to be completed then I'll post with more details.
Cheers Betamax.]]> Gaden Room https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16948&Focus=288562#Comment_288562 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16948&Focus=288562#Comment_288562 Wed, 31 Mar 2021 13:47:19 +0100 tonya a) have time
b) Want to save quite a lot!
c) make it more individual.
Making windows for this wouldn't be too hard and would save you £1,000's.
I am debating making my own and questioning my abilities! However I have made windows and insatlled sealed units which are cheap to buy. Wooden windows using Douglas Fir wood. Bought bench saw from Screwfix for £100 and Sliding Mitre Saw (£60 ) and a small Bosch router (£100) for finishing Given a window - simple wood selaed unit could set you back £600 if you ahave a few it can save you a lot....
I recognise its a big decision though and down to number of factors, main one being time.

Good luck]]> Gaden Room https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16948&Focus=288570#Comment_288570 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16948&Focus=288570#Comment_288570 Wed, 31 Mar 2021 20:32:41 +0100 djh Posted By: tonyaMaking windows for this
Sorry, just to clarify, I wasn't suggesting making windows yourself. I was suggesting installing them yourself. Not that there's anything wrong with making them yourself if you have the skills. For myself, I don't think I have the skills to achieve the airtightness, wind and water tightness and thermal insulation that I needed to meet PH standard.]]>