Sustainability
We all want to be green, its good for the planet, its good for us and its good for our wallet! We can help. As we have constructed buildings featuring all the following technologies and renewables we are therefore in a great position to help you get the best out of your project making your future building efficient, environmentally friendly and cheaper to operate. Beech Architect’s core ethos is our contribution to the sustainability of our new and existing buildings. Beech Architects is a signatory to the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge.
PASSIVHAUS / passive house
Beech Architects have developed designs for a number of new dwellings using the Passivhaus principles as well as completion of certified Passivhaus homes. Early design consideration to the Passivhaus principles is key to achieving the overall holistic approach needed to meet Passivhaus performance. This means detail knowledge and application of building envelope junctions, fabric choices, insulation, glazed openings and overheating as well as approach to heating and ventilation systems required all applied from the initial feasibility and planning stages.
ENERGY
Air Source and Ground Source Heat pumps, Heat recovery systems including vertical borehole systems and waste water recovery, Photovoltaic panels, Wind Turbines, Solar hot water, Low energy and LED lighting, Super insulated buildings, Underfloor heating, Wood log gasification boilers and Wood chip boilers, Passivhaus Design. Use of Building management systems including Loxone and Control 4.
WATER
Rainwater harvesting, Greywater recycling, Aerating taps and showers, Composting toilets, Swale ponds and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS). Green roof design. Waste water heat recovery.
MATERIALS
Clay lump / cob and flint buildings, Natural insulations including cork, wood fibre and sheep’s wool. Recycled insulations including Warmcell. Sustainably managed timber frames, Lime renders and mortars, Natural clay plasters, lime wash and silica paints, Straw bale construction and Recycled materials. Timber shingle clad buildings. We have also designed and built homes to achieve code levels 3, 4 and 5 of the code for sustainable homes as well as Passivhaus standard detailing.
BUILDING SYSTEMS
Timber frame systems including, twin wall timber frame, I joist ply web, I joist metal web, Single frame panels, SIPS panels. Kerto timber frame/Laminated veneer lumber (LVL). Off site construction. Rubble filled foundations. Gabion retaining systems. Pressure filled blown insulation systems. Portable container buildings.
