Passivhaus offices/training centre - live build

[Andy Simmonds]

FYI - a webcam set up to record the building of a CarbonLite Step 2 (Passivhaus) office building in Essesx.
http://www.centrefordisabilitystudies.org/webcam/
Not quite close enough for detail - but worth the occasional look!

[Andy Simmonds]

Not enough time at present to contribute much to the forum, but just a pic or two showing successful early placement of air-vapour membranes between  glulam structure and I beams. This is the sort of thing that cheers up low energy architects (yes, it is tiring) and brings a smile (of relief) to their lips. Will be more soon(ish) on www.simmondsmills.com (projects section)

[Nick Grant]

Lovely!

[Dave Howorth]

I just noticed that on http://retrofitforthefuture.org/viewproject.php?id=227#strategies it says "Load bearing underfloor insulation (below structural raft)" and I know the building is in Essex.

Is it built on clay and if so, are any special precautions/techniques necessary when using an insulated raft like this?

Thanks, Dave

[Andy Simmonds]

dave - email me to remind me when back in office to ask the engineer to post a comment!

[Peter Starck]

Dave

This may be of interest. I have just had an Isoquick insulated raft foundation system installed for my PassivHaus. The soil is light clay and the structural engineer wanted 200mm compacted type1 on to the clay with 50mm granite chippings on the type1. Then 300mm polystyrene followed by 200mm concrete with 2 layers reinforcing mesh over the whole area with an extra layer of mesh around the perimeter.

[David OLIVIER]

No - AFAIK the soil is a loam, not sure of clay content but probably not very high.

Still good to ask engineer when he is back for more details.