Eco Homes

Saving our planet & creating a healthier future.

What is an Eco Home?

An Eco-home is an environmentally low-impact home designed and built using materials and technology that reduces its carbon footprint and lowers its energy needs.

Eco-homes are measured in multiple ways meeting sustainability needs such as water conservation, reducing wastes through reusing and recycling materials, controlling pollution to limit global warming, energy generation and conservation, and decreasing CO2 emissions.

Types of ECO Solutions you could use in your home ..

  • SIPS

    A structural insulated panel, or structural insulating panel, is a form of sandwich panel used in the construction industry. SIPS are a sandwich structured composite, consisting of an insulating layer of rigid core sandwiched between two layers of structural board, used as a building material. SIPs are thought to be about 50% more energy efficient than traditional timber framing. Homes are airtight and leak less heat, reducing energy bills for residents and decreasing carbon emissions being released into the environment.

    Image taken on our recent job in Burnham-on-crouch building an ECO home working alongside SIPS ECO.

  • Solar Tiles

    Solar Roof tiles (or photovoltaic roof tiles), are a seamless way of integrating solar technology into your home without taking away from your home’s natural design. Unlike a traditional solar panel which is mounted on-top of your roof tiles, solar tiles replace your roof tiles all together. Although Solar Tiles may look different, they work just the same as a Solar Panel does. This neat alternative, means that you can use the energy from the sun to generate your own electricity in style.

  • Ground and Air source heat pumps

    Ground source heat pumps require electricity to work. However, they use electrical energy in a highly-efficient way to produce heat, significantly reducing heating running costs and CO2 emissions. While ground source heat pumps require electricity to operate, they can also be combined with renewable electricity sources such as solar PV panels, making them an even greener option.

    An air source heat pump, sometimes referred to as an air-to-water source heat pump, transfers heat from the outside air to water, which heats your rooms via radiators or underfloor heating. It can also heat water stored in a hot water cylinder for your hot taps, showers and baths. Heat from the air is absorbed into a fluid. This fluid then passes through a heat exchanger into the heat pump, which raises the temperature and then transfers that heat to water.

Why go Eco?

 

  • Similar to ordinary homes, eco-house prices vary from low to extremely high. From modern passive houses equipped with energy-saving technology to self-built eco homes made of natural and repurposed materials, everything in between. By setting a budget you can build your eco home to your taste without breaking the bank.

  • Your home stays warm in the winter and cool in the summer thanks to good insulation and thermal efficiency. The walls, floors, windows, and roof of a building are the primary regions for heat gain and loss. U values gauge how quickly heat leaves a structure through its walls, roof, and floors. Heat loss is slowed down by a lower U value. Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), which offer great airtightness and insulation, are used in many Carpenters Oak homes. To accommodate most budgets, SIPs are offered in a range of U-values and both sustainable and conventional materials.

  • Building an eco house that is sustainable is one built for longevity, a home that performs with our current climate and needs as well as the future. An adaptable home is one that adapts with the ever-changing needs of the family. With some forethought, flexible spaces with stunning features can be achieved. We have examples of homes with easily convertible spaces to allow for downstairs living and the adding or removing of bedrooms. Some basic considerations include level floors from inside to out, an entrance level bedroom, careful placement of windows and open plan living.

  • Fresh water is one of our most precious natural resources. From rainwater harvesting systems to efficient shower heads and low flushing loos, there is something to suit every budget. Grey water and rainwater can be collected and reused for loos, laundry and the garden. Greenage suggest that average savings of nearly 70 litres per person a day are achievable. Friends of the Earth report that the average person uses 150 litres of water a day to wash, cook and clean. Water saving devices will not only conserve your consumption but also cut your bills.

 

Speak to us…

Looking to start your Eco Home journey today? Or maybe you’re just curious? Get in touch today, we will advise and help you make the right decision based on your needs.

info@nunnaldevelopments.com
07951 481459