Key suppliers for Reflections
Conservation Builders Ltd
CBL is the main contractor for houses at Silverlake. Since we bought the plot in mid 2019 they have worked with us through COVID, supply chain issues and all the other issues that a new build brings. Especially one where we were bringing in new suppliers as we pushed for higher performance.
Kingspan Tek
CBL generally build their properties using the Kingspan Tek system. For Reflections we went to a thicker panel (172mm) and added a further 25mm of internal insulation. This gave a wall U-value of 0.14 W/m2K, roof of 0.09 to 0.10 and a measured airtightness of 2.89. https://www.kingspan.com/gb/en/products/structural-insulated-panels/tek-building-system
EcoHaus and Internorm Windows
We went for triple glazing throughout the house. Not just for the energy saving but for comfort when sitting next to the large ground floor windows. For aesthetic reasons we went for aluminium externally to match existing homes but stained timber inside. Ecohaus were the supplier for Internorm and also fitted all doors and windows. For more details see
https://www.ecohausinternorm.com/internorm
Integrated PV Roof
Given that we were aiming for a net zero (kWh at the meter) house, it was important to maximise energy generation. Having seen the GB-Sol systems elsewhere they were a natural choice. Plus the panels are bespoke and manufactured in the UK. We have a 9kWp system with each panel having its own inverter so very efficient.
Ventilation system
With an airtight (or non leaky) house, it is really important to ventilate properly. Given that the house will be intermittently unoccupied, leaving windows open wouldn't always be possible. Couple that with my dislike of trickle vents and bathroom fans and need to be energy efficient, and you get to Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR). We worked with Total Home Environment on this project and our own home refurbishment. Here a Pichler LG350 was used with an earth tube. Total Home designed, supplied, installed and commissioned the system.
Recycled wood furniture
One of my favourite organisations, the Brighton Woodstore is a social enterprise that saves timber from going to waste, creates wonderful furniture and gives jobs and training to people. Just go and visit and support them. We have two big tables, a coffee table and shelves. If there was any more room we would probably buy more.
https://www.woodrecycling.org.uk
Not wardrobes
A pet hate (I have a few it seems) is large built in wardrobes in holiday homes. I always end up forgetting something and they take up so much space. So we looked around and came across Absalom Classics up in Scotland. A great company, happy to customise their standard designs or even do completely new designs. Very robust furniture indeed.