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Summary

The Powell family moved into their architect-designed new build in 2008 The 3 year build is documented, with detail on all the processes, materials and methods, on Jonathan Powell’s blog www.mysiphouse.com.

The house is built using Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), which mean that as well as being highly insulated, construction is clean and quick, says Jonathan Powell, as the SIP panels form the structure and insulated envelope all in one process. There is an array of renewable and energy saving technology in the house, including solar panels, extensive use of passive heating, and a forced air heating system.

Now that the house is built, the Powells are starting work on the garden, and have started growing food.

Green features in the home

• High levels of insulation through use of 150mm SIP panels
• Solar passive 8m x 3m skylight
• A UNICO air source heating system, which can also provide cooling in the summer, air quality control and passive heat distribution
• Solar hot water and partial heating
• Low energy lights
• Reclaimed sanitary units from dumps and builders
• No skips used in the build of the house
• Wood burning stove
• Water-saving shower heads (uses 5 litres per minute as opposed to 10-15 for modern showers, and adds bubbles to the water)
• E Glass Double-glazing throughout

Energy use

The only outside energy imported is electricity. Jonathan Powell estimates that he uses an average of 7,000 kilowatts-hours (total imported utility energy) over the year (average UK home is 20,800 kilowatt-hours), mainly for a limited amount of electric heating and hot water. The house is 196 metres square.

To find out more

For details about every aspect of the construction of this house, and all the energy saving and renewable energy features, see Jonathan Powell’s website www.mysiphouse.com. You can also email Jonathan Powell via the web site.

Directions

There is a bus stop outside the house, which is a 5 minute walk from the town centre, and about 15 minutes walk from the station. The house is slightly tucked away, so it’s worth looking at http://pininthemap.com/5d1a2e5d0f3b416d9

See the calendar for open days and times