Self Build House, Oxfordshire

October 18, 2019

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This project consisted of anew self-build house in a rural location withinOxfordshire.
The client wanted to develop a home with comfortable all year round temperatures and low running costs.
The target was set to minimise carbon emissions by 25% with a fabric first approach (no renewable energy).

Planning & Design stage

Low Carbon Box provided the SAP Calculations (energy assessments) at planning stage to predict current carbon emissions and the performance of the proposed house. Using this process, the project team was able to confirm the design and specification to achieve 25% reduction in carbon emissions when compared to Part L1A 2013 of the Building Regulations.

Some of the key features included are:
300mm timber frame walls to achieve 0.15 W.m2.K U value
Warm roof construction to achieve 0.12 W/m2.K
Triple glazed windows to achieve 0.92 W/m2.K
Mechanical Ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR)
Air Source Heat Pump

Using the above key enhancements, the project team implemented the specification. Low Carbon Box carried out the design stage SAP calculations based on the updated working drawings for issue to Building Control for Part L1A 2013.

As-Built Stage

Low Carbon Box monitored changes throughout the project and upon completion, were instructed to carry out the air tightness test.

The target was 5m3/hr/m2. Low Carbon Box completed the air tightness test and the target was met. Our air tightness tester also talked the client through areas to improve to help optimize the VCHR performance.

The as-built specification was updated with any changes and Low Carbon Box lodges and issued the air tightness test and final As-Built SAP calculation and Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

Results