Introduction--List of homes and gardens--Dates of open days--Location map--Products, builders and suppliers--Our sponsors--More on eco-renovation

Summary

The Hodgsons took about a year to build their house on a brown field site in central Wells. It is in a conservation area and had to incorporate listed out-buildings – a former carpenter’s workshop and three pig-sties. Within these structures they have created a timber framed, 2 bedroom modern house insulated to the highest standard. Timber frame construction supports Warmcell insulation and low profile stainless steel roofs – coloured to look like lead. There is also a small growing roof acting as a linking section. Double glazing is with Rational windows and there is English cedar cladding.

Green features in the house

• FSC timber frame
• Extensive use of sustainable materials
• Warmcell insulation
• Cellulose-based Fermacell wallboard (which doesn’t need plastering and support fixings)
• High spec Rational (Danish) wood-framed windows
• Living roof
• Stainless steel roof
• Cedar cladding
• Solar gain through orientation

Green features in the garden

Small courtyard garden
Garden won Wells in Bloom Courtyard Garden category in 06

Energy use

Space heating costs for 2007/9 were around £200, and water heating costs less than £2 a week.

Suppliers used and recommended by owners

Warmcell and Fermacell are both recommended

To find out more

To contact the owners for more information about this property, call Dick Hodgson on 01749 674587.

Directions

The house is five minutes from the centre of Wells. Towards the bottom of St Thomas Street about 400m north of the cathedral, The Yard is opposite Georgies Plaice fish and chip shop. Ample parking in Wells and there are frequent buses passing up St Thomas Street.
By car, if you come in on the B3139 Bath Road, this becomes St Thomas Street.
You are advised to park near the hospital and then walk.

See the calendar for open days and times