ECO ROUTE
Helping to keep the budget on track, the structure of this Passivhaus is blockwork with cavity wall insulation. A combination of membranes and plaster create the airtightness layer, which had to achieve stringent Passivhaus standards.
Masonry is by far the most widely used method of wall construction in the UK housebuilding industry. The majority of new homes today are built with cavity walls made from conventional ‘brick and block’ or some variation on the theme, such as outer leaf blockwork that’s rendered, timber-clad or tile-hung. Various types of natural stone or reconstituted stone are also a popular choice for facing walls with an inner leaf of thermally efficient aerated blockwork behind the scenes.
However, given the appeal of modern, high-performance, prefabricated alternatives such as panel timber frame and SIPs (structurally insulated panels) it’s perhaps a little surprising that the humble concrete block is still at the heart of housebuilding in 21st-century Britain. So from a design perspective, it’s interesting to reassess the benefits of conventional masonry construction. Here, we explore what you need to know before using this material for your self-build or extension project.
1 Every builder knows it
Denne historien er fra July 2022-utgaven av Homebuilding & Renovating.
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Denne historien er fra July 2022-utgaven av Homebuilding & Renovating.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Back to black
Dramatic black finishes and industrial touches add impact to Charlotte and Sam Tisdall's extended end-terrace home
Change for good
A last-minute decision to build a kitchen extension instead of a general update turned out to be a wise move for the owners of this detached period property
High praise
After converting a run-down gospel hall into a unique 1930s-inspired home-complete with geodesic dome - Alice Deuchar and Daniel Schamroth pronounced it a resounding succes
Lifetime achievement
Replacing a tired 1960s bungalow with a bespoke prefabricated contemporary house allowed retired architect Helen Heslop Brunt and her husband Martin to fulfil a long-held dream
Self-build for beginners PART 13 PRE-CONSTRUCTION GUIDE
Make sure that your insurance, health and safety, build and cost schedules and all documents are all in place before kick-off
ECO LANDSCAPING
Creating a garden with green credentials isn't without its challenges, but there are plenty of ways you can reduce its impact on the environment, once you know how
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT PASSIVHAUS VENTILATION?
Heat and energy expert David Hilton explains the benefits, options and costs of this ultimate heating standard
HOW MUCH DOES EXTERNAL WALL INSULATION COST?
It's touted as an affordable home insulation method, but is external wall insulation worth the outlay and what are the lifetime costs? We look at the figures...
Open-plan kitchen DAVID HOCKNEY EXTENSIONS
From structural considerations and zoning to layout ideas and lighting, our practical guide to creating your new space has it covered
RENOVATING A GEORGIAN HOME
Known for their elegant architectural features, Georgian homes need to be restored sensitively to make them fit for modern life
