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ECOBUNGALOW
suerowlands47
Aug 31, 20222 min read
9. VAT on retrofit - zero or 20%?
Many people don’t realise that that VAT (Value Added Tax) is charged on building works to existing homes, but not on new builds. It’s...
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suerowlands47
Jul 24, 20223 min read
8. How not to annoy the neighbours: getting planning permission
I’m a town planner as well as an architect. In my professional life, I’ve submitted some very large, very complex planning applications...
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suerowlands47
Jun 25, 20222 min read
7. The value an architect brings to design
Once the air tightness strategy was established, we could work towards finalising the design ready to submit for planning approval. You...
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suerowlands47
May 31, 20222 min read
6. Developing the air tightness strategy
To work properly, a Passive House needs continuous insulation together with a continuous air tight membrane. No gaps. Gaps allow heat...
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suerowlands47
May 1, 20222 min read
5. Finding a builder who gets it
Retrofitting a home to Passive House principles needs a special kind of builder. One who is committed to the idea, pays attention to...
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suerowlands47
Apr 1, 20221 min read
4. How draughty is my bungalow?
Before starting design, we needed to understand my existing bungalow. How is it currently performing in terms of energy efficiency? How...
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suerowlands47
Mar 1, 20222 min read
3. Developing the Brief
The starting point for the architectural design was to develop and agree the brief with Russel Hayden. There were two halves to this:...
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suerowlands47
Jan 31, 20222 min read
2. Finding an architect
I'm an architect. So this should be easy for me, right? Well, I can design 10,000 homes (the last project I worked on before I retired...
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suerowlands47
Jan 1, 20221 min read
1. Starting point: buying the right home
I must have been the only person prioritising a simple box-like form as I looked at places to buy in Kendal. Whilst it's possible to...
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