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Original poster

Eco build

18 replies

NewHouseShuffle · 05/10/2023 07:57

So I'm not sure if this is the best place for this thread, but basically we have found some land and would love to build on it.

We would like the build to be out of natural materials and very energy efficient.

Are there any good options out there? I saw a couple do an amazing "earthship" inspired build on grand designs years ago but they had to build in France as our building laws are more restrictive.

I was thinking maybe there are specialist builders or prefab companies that do these sort of basic eco builds? Log house/cabin type things but with better longevity?

OP posts:
Goodgrief83 · 05/10/2023 08:09

Is the land for sale? Have you checked planning restrictions? Have you done a build or big reno before?

jgw1 · 05/10/2023 08:09

Straw?

fireplacetiles · 05/10/2023 08:13

We live in a log house we imported our frame from Finland www.artichouse.co.uk/ my OH self built with trades helping along the way, took nearly 3 years. It's a lovely warm house but wasn't cheap to build. Good luck!

Original poster
NewHouseShuffle · 05/10/2023 08:28

Land is for sale with planning permission and is perfect for us.

We've installed new kitchens etc but never built.

OP posts:
Original poster
NewHouseShuffle · 05/10/2023 08:29

fireplacetiles · 05/10/2023 08:13

We live in a log house we imported our frame from Finland www.artichouse.co.uk/ my OH self built with trades helping along the way, took nearly 3 years. It's a lovely warm house but wasn't cheap to build. Good luck!

Thank you I will look at this.

OP posts:
gotomomo · 05/10/2023 08:33

One of the eco builds on grand designs was prefabricated in Germany, one of the few that came in on time and on budget! You'll need a good general contractor for ground works as this are the key to pre fab construction then it's just a case of it going up in a couple of weeks then finishing off

Original poster
NewHouseShuffle · 05/10/2023 08:34

gotomomo · 05/10/2023 08:33

One of the eco builds on grand designs was prefabricated in Germany, one of the few that came in on time and on budget! You'll need a good general contractor for ground works as this are the key to pre fab construction then it's just a case of it going up in a couple of weeks then finishing off

Do you know which company did the prefab?

OP posts:
Goodgrief83 · 05/10/2023 08:34

NewHouseShuffle · 05/10/2023 08:28

Land is for sale with planning permission and is perfect for us.

We've installed new kitchens etc but never built.

You absolutely must employ a really really good PM

Original poster
NewHouseShuffle · 05/10/2023 08:45

jgw1 · 05/10/2023 08:09

Straw?

Yes. I was thinking straw, clay, wood, stone, insulating with hemp, wool etc.

OP posts:
Goodgrief83 · 05/10/2023 08:46

What’s your budget out of interest op?

Original poster
NewHouseShuffle · 05/10/2023 08:47

For the house alone, not the site, probably about 300k.

I appreciate that that isn't massive.

OP posts:
Goodgrief83 · 05/10/2023 08:51

Op I think you need to bring on some professional guidance

Goodgrief83 · 05/10/2023 08:52

Before you offer on the land

Goodgrief83 · 05/10/2023 08:53

you ideally have a network of tradesmen that you’ve worked with in the past and trust before embarking on a build

Original poster
NewHouseShuffle · 05/10/2023 08:58

Goodgrief83 · 05/10/2023 08:51

Op I think you need to bring on some professional guidance

I agree.

I suppose I was just curious to see if anyone knew of any companies or professionals that do this sort of thing as a good starting point.

Obviously I have looked myself and will continue to look, but it's nice to hear of people's personal experiences and recommendations.

OP posts:
Goodgrief83 · 05/10/2023 09:02

Generally - of land is conducive to being built on… it will be snapped up by a developer before it even hits the market so be wary

jgw1 · 05/10/2023 09:08

NewHouseShuffle · 05/10/2023 08:45

Yes. I was thinking straw, clay, wood, stone, insulating with hemp, wool etc.

Edited
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The Centre for Alternative Technology have loads of advice and I think courses in building with straw.

Daftasabroom · 05/10/2023 09:23

Hi @NewHouseShuffle

I would get yourself along to https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/

I would strongly recommend you stay well clear of an unconventional build, straw, rammed earth, logs etc.

Google timber framed passive house. Timber frame is a standard construction and passive house is as close to net zero as you'll get. If you install an air source heat pump and sign up to a renewable energy tariff you may well get to net zero. E.g. https://www.phhomes.co.uk/ph15-system/

Keep the design as simple as possible - complicated = costly.

Don't over specify.

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