Paul said "The local council were very
forward thinking, and embraced the ethos of the build, wishing to be
seen as leaders in eco-friendly sustainable developments."
Clark and Kemp have been commissioned to produce the large Douglas Fir
windows to the front and rear of the property. These have been designed
and orientated to take in maximum light and warmth. The double glazed
units ensure that heat loss is reduced to a minimum.
The main structure of the building is made from large laminated sections
of timber which were sourced from UK managed forests, and manufactured
in the UK. The frame is bolted together using a unique, simple connector
system that eliminates the need for diagonal bracing.
By taking the entire load, the frame allows
unlimited flexibility in the internal and external design. Speed of
build is breathtaking, as the entire framework of the house was erected
in just 5 days.
The property incorporates all the usual eco-friendly features, including
solar hot water, a reservoir to recycle rainwater, and high levels of
recycled newspaper insulation.
Paul went on to say "We have even used the clay from the pad foundations
to build the rammed earth garage, creating earth walls as strong as
concrete. In turn this has illiminated the need for removal f any soil
from the site."
Paul and his partner Kerry, plan t occupy the property once it has been
completed, to live the experience. "This build system offers an answer
to the growing need for environmental housing. It is planned to get
government support and approval , so many more can be built in future
years."
(Reproduced from a Newsletter article
Summer 2004) The designer and
builder Mr Paul Gladman and is partner Kerry Medhurst went on to win the
Build it Magazine Self Builder of
the Year competition 2004 |
