This general principle has been called ‘the thermal onion’, meaning that heat is released into the centre of the onion and gradually moves outwards, thus heating the outer layers to a lesser extent - the outer layers serving to insulate the inner. For those who like a real fire in the winter, flues are installed for wood-burning stoves.
Where fitted, heat recovery systems extract the warm, moist air from bathrooms and kitchens and collect the heat. The stale air is vented outside while the collected heat is transferred, via a heat exchanger, to the fresh air coming into the building. This is distributed through vents to the bedrooms and living rooms at a constant, comfortable temperature.
Hot water is provided through the use of solar panels, although the gas condensing boilers which supply the underfloor heating, can also provide a boost to water temperature should it be necessary. Residents can usually obtain at least 55-60% of their domestic hot water needs over the year and up to 100% in the summer from solar energy.
Photovoltaic systems can be employed to generate some of the electricity required by residents. The electricity is supplied by Good Energy which provides 100% renewable electricity sourced from the natural energy of wind, sun or running water. An average Good Energy customer saves two tonnes of CO² emissions a year, equivalent to the emissions produced on a 5,000 mile journey in a petrol-fuelled car. The CO² emissions of an average household can be reduced by up to one-third.
Health
As the houses are filled with daylight and are free from damp and draughts, they provide an exceptionally healthy living environment. The ventilation systems help to eliminate unhealthy dampness and mould. Air intake filters on the mechanical heat recovery systems prevent dust entering with the incoming fresh air. In addition, the internal vacuum cleaner systems extract dust from the house and vent it to the outside which is particularly beneficial to asthma and hay fever sufferers.
FOR THE HEALTH OF THE PLANET AND THOSE LIVING WITH THE HOMES, LIVING VILLAGES ENDEAVOURS TO USE PAINTS AND OTHER MATERIALS THAT ARE FREE FROM TOXINS OR HARMFUL PRODUCTS OF THE PETRO-CHEMICAL INDUSTRY.
Materials and construction
The houses at The Wintles are manufactured off-site using double skinned timber frame panel systems and, once on site, the individual components can be erected quickly. Such systems reduce waste and help raise standards of build quality.
Within the homes, the heavy beams are made from either Douglas fir, oak or larch. The exterior wood boarding is larch and fascias and soffits are of oak for maximum durability. Decking is also larch built on oak to prevent rotting. Fencing within the development is of semi-durable larch with the bark left on to provide natural habitation. Larch has its own antibacterial resin, and should have a lifespan of between thirty and fifty years.
Wherever possible, timber used in construction is from sustainable sources and carries FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) certification which means it comes from a well-managed forest where new trees are planted to replace felled trees. Living Villages has also planted thousands of trees around the perimeter of the site to give protection and envelop the development in a natural cocoon. At The Wintles, fruit trees, including cob nuts, apples and plums are growing.
Sand, gravel and lime is locally sourced to save energy being used in transport. Sometimes cement has to be used for practical reasons but, wherever possible, Living Villages uses lime instead, particularly for render. Lime has been used as a building material for thousands of years, and, although energy and CO² are used in its production, it turns back to limestone over time absorbing CO² in the process. In addition lime is breathable so allows moisture to escape - unlike cement which traps dampness. Reclaimed materials, particularly bricks, slates and roof tiles are used wherever possible. Not only is this eco-friendly, they also help the new buildings to blend in with their surroundings.
For guttering, copper or aluminium is used because they are recyclable materials with a long lifespan and aesthetically more pleasing than plastic. Underground pipes are PVC which has an infinite life so is considered a good option in terms of sustainability.
Flexibility
The houses at The Wintles are designed to be flexible, taking into account the changing needs of families over the years. Internal stud walls can be moved to alter the size of rooms to suit requirements and flexible room layouts are ideally suited to those who want to work from home - the neighbourhoods are wired for broadband.
