Since we initially wrote about the undertaking of our first passivhaus design project things have moved on apace at the site.
It was found that repairs to the existing building were necessary and these were duly completed with some exquisite brickwork, carpentry and roof works. As this is a passivhaus retrofit project all disciplines required great skill and creative thinking. We are very pleased with the finished repairs, which we are certain will be durable and will give the home owners many trouble-free years.
Finding asbestos during a renovation project is always a concern, however, although it was an expensive problem to deal with, we had safety constantly at the forefront of our minds.
The task was handled by licensed contractors using all the necessary equipment to ensure no-one was put at risk.
Co-ordi
nating the garage extension project has been
particularly tricky and we have encountered a number of issues with the existing building due to its exposed-nature. Still, with hard work and perseverance, and some exquisite workmanship, we are now on the last phase of installing the super-insulated single ply roof. We are again certain of the renovated building’s ability to stand the test of time and feel our efforts have paid off.
As with most renovation projects, not least a passivhaus design, the installation of certain important products, such as the main doors to the house and garage, will not happen until towards the end of the build. This eliminates the potential for damage and means their integrity will not be compromised as we work.
Meanwhile, the design details specific to the passivhaus approvals are developing nicely and all is falling into place now that we have committed to installing an air source heat pump for the hot water system.
While the internal and external insulation strategies have been finalised, with all thermal bridge analysis completed, we are yet to confirm the spec for the ventilation and heat recovery system. However, all duct routes have now been identified which has been a particularly problematic part of the design for us, but we have overcome all inherent issues and are now happy with how the work has progressed.
Importantly, though, the full insulation strategy is ready and waiting to be implemented as soon as the front elevation windows are installed.
We are concluding the structural details for the wrap-around rear extension as we speak and expect to have made a start on the foundations before this blog is published.
Watch this space for more news in the coming months.
