Solutions are provided to several common problems. This is a pepper-potted, back of pavement terrace [precluding external insulation] with side passage [increasing heat loss and also precluding external insulation] and small internal floor area. Therefore an internal insulation solution was chosen, and the consequent loss of floor space compensated for by adding an attic pod manufactured off-site. The pod provides a second floor bedroom with warm roof, and whole-house ventilation services preinstalled. This is both an innovative solution to replacing floor space lost due to internal insulation, and [by providing an extra bedroom] enables an additional sitting room on the first floor to meet local cultural needs. The internal insulation on a timber frame with minimal cold bridging, and high performance glazing, are to a very high standard, and should ensure very low air permeability.
Use of Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery [MVHR] ensures good air quality with minimal energy use. A condensing gas boiler system with new radiators and pipework was chosen [replacing an inefficient back boiler] after considering various options; Leicester is extending its existing district heating/CHP scheme, so district heating may one day replace the gas boiler. Solar thermal is included as a cost-effective contribution to hot water provision. An innovative adaptive control system [Wattbox] was included, estimated to save around 10% - 15% of heating energy for typical usage. Simple up/down controls define occupants’ preferences and provide a rapid heating response.
Electricity demand is minimised by providing a state of the art, whole-house low energy lighting system, providing A+ or better rated appliances [note normal EMHA practice is for tenants to provide their own, but an exception was made here]. Further savings are made with the innovative ‘V-phase’ voltage control system.
A short implementation period is key to EMHA to minimise costs and disruption to tenants. Thus the work is phased to complete within 3 weeks. It also incorporates any Decent Homes work required. EMHA intend to use the project as temporary decant accommodation for multiple tenant households, providing multiple feedback datasets.
