Technical Info

High Performance Windows and Doors
Our high-quality windows and doors can provide a net gain to the energy performance. We have very low U-values with our standard product manufacturer (Nordan) of 1.2 W/(m².K)  but we also offer upgrades to triple-glazing and Passive Standard windows up to 0.7 W/(m².K).

Solar Gain and Shading
Our designs have large areas of glazing which we are ideally orientated facing south to maximise solar gain. In some cases glazing should have solar protection to avoid overheating in the summer. The design of the ventilation system can mitigate this risk with summer bypass extract ventilation.

Smart Ventilation Design
Although natural ventilation design is possible with our airtight construction details and low infiltration rates, we recommend installing a ventilation system. Under building regulations, poor air test results will mean you are forced into mechanical ventilation in any case.

There are several options. The most efficient systems are automated and can act as climate control for your home. MVHR, a ‘mechanical ventilation heat recovery’ system, has extract and supply air terminals in all rooms of the house connected to a central unit that controls the air in an efficient and balanced way. This system is designed by our service engineering specialists and has several advantages over a natural ventilation strategy.

MVHR can mitigate the overheating from areas that may rise in temperature due to passive solar gain. It achieves this by constantly changing the air in circulation and has a ‘summer mode’ to reduce overheating by avoiding the heat recovery function. It will also be more energy efficient with better airtightness possible. An airtight building is more energy efficient by retaining the heat and should be achievable with a new build property; 95% of the heat can be recovered.

Using such a system, all the air in the home is filtered and fresh with the entire volume of air changing every 30 minutes.  This reduces moisture, pollutants, odours and humidity, which helps with health and allergies, security (windows can be shut and locked in summer), and protection from outside noise.

Micro-Generation
You can improve the energy performance of your home by generating your own electricity. This electricity can be consumed privately, but also sold into the national grid. Solar panels, wind turbines and hydro micro-generators are now common and can be cost effective as part of a long-term investment.  The feasibility of micro-generation technology will depend on your site specifics.