Site Layout

2

2

4

Orientation

2

4

Building Form

3

2

3

Landscape

2

1

2

Internal Planning

3

4

2

5

Thermal Resistance

5

4

Thermal Capacity

4

2

3

Thermal Response

3

2

3

3

Windows: Thermal Performance

5

4

4

Windows: Ventilation

4

2

Windows: Natural Light

1

1

Ventilation

5

3

3

Fuel Choice

4

2

3

3

Space Heating System

5

3

Hot water

1

3

2

Lighting and Appliances

2

1

1

4
3
2
2

Locate the House(s) to maximise solar gain by avoiding over shadowing
Use existing vegetation and buildings to provide shelter from winter winds
Minimise heat loss by using building designs that maximise shared surfaces
Consider the overshading implications of site slopes and location of different building types on the site

4
3

Orientate habitable rooms to the south, but in all cases within 30'E and 45'W
Orientate to minimise the ventilation heat loss effects of the prevailing winds

4
3
1
1

For constant volumes, use designs which minimise heat loss and maximise solar heat gains
Use minimum volume to minimise material and ventilation heat loss
Ensure that south roof slopes are appropriately pitched for future solar panels
Avoid small projections that can cause localised heat loss

4
4
3
2
1

Zone space according to use. Areas with high heat requirements should be situated on the south side
Plan space options for future upgradings such as the installation of solar panels
Locate access points away from prevailing winds to prevent heat loss
Locate hot water outlets close together so as to minimise pipe standing losses
Locate heat source flues in a central position

4

Ensure that opaque fabric U - values are at least within the ranges
Roof: .25 - .15 W/m2K
Walls: .30 - .2 W/M2K

4



4
4
4
2

1

Ensure that opaque fabric U-values are at least within the ranges:
Roof 0.25 -0.15 W/m²K
Walls 0.45 - 0.20W/m²K
Floor 0.45 - 0.15 W/m²K
Investigate the feasibility of further improving the U-values
Provide options for future upgrading of thermal insulation
Check condensation risk regarding the need for vapour control layers and ventilation
Avoid cold bridging through the building fabric (timber structural members do not result in adverse cold bridging)
When selecting materials, consider their energy of production

4

2

Ensure the house has adequate thermal capacity both in terms of quantity and position to optimise the use of direct solar heat gain and to utilise internal casual gains
Provide options for a future change in thermal capacity to accommodate greater use of solar energy

4

Ensure that the house has a sufficiently fast response time to ensure rapid warm-up to comfort temperature during occupancy. This factor must be considered in conjunction with building occupancy.

4

4
4

4
2
1

Double glazing is the minimum thermal resistance specification for windows. Consider triple glazing or double-glazing which incorporates a low emmisivity film
Improve window management by the use of insulating shutters or curtains
Select window areas on the south, east and west elevations on the basis of seasonal energy balance between heat loss and solar heat gain (but always consider glare, privacy and view)
Minimise north glazing
Where needed use clerestories to give solar heat gain to north rooms
Use pelmets over windows to reduce downdraught

4
4
1

Draughtseal around opening lights and seal frame to wall junction
Provide draught-free controllable ventilators to the head of windows
Ensure that opening lights can assist in summer cooling

4
1

Use windows to improve natural light, but not at the expense of thermal performance
Where needed use backlighting to reduce glare from large south facing windows

4
4

3


2

Seal all gaps and cracks at junctions and service penetrations to reduce infiltration rates
Provide draught-free controllable ventilation openings to enable occupants to find their desired air change rate (window opening lights are not normally adequate)
Provide facilities (passive system or extract fans) for intermittent high ventilation rates to kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms or use mechanical ventilation with heat recovery to improve ventilation control
Provide duct zones to enable a future change to mechanical ventilation

3
2

Provide the option for future fuel storage and a vertical duct zone
Consider energy overhead factors when choosing fuels

4
4
4

Ensure correct sizing of system
Select boilers with good part load efficiency
Select emitters which balance thermal comfort with energy economy through fast response. This should be based on building occupancy

3

3
2
2

Check the relative advantages of storage, combined and instantaneous systems based on hot water use
Ensure that storage vessels are adequately insulated and are located centrally to minimise pipe runs
Consider the use of solar collectors to supplement conventional hot water systems
Ensure that adequate temperature and timing controls are provided

1
1
1
1
1

Ensure maximum use of natural light
Use task lighting in preference to general high-level lighting
Use fluorescent luminaries in preference to incandescent bulbs
Design wiring circuits for convenient switching
Consider the energy rating of appliances or advise occupants to do so

4





4
2

Consider increasing the use of solar energy to supplement space heating by one of the following passive (hybrid) measures in conjunction with a pre-heat ventilation system or isolated heat store:
- conservatory
- solar trap roof
- roof/wall air collector
- conservatory double envelope
Ensure adequate controls to optimise the use of solar heat gain
Ensure that adequate measures are provided to reduce summer overheating

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