When owner of Soiltechnics, Stephen Cragg, decided to embark on a selfbuild project, he researched many of today’s new technologies and SpeedDeck's Dynamic Insulation Roof was chosen as one of the integral roof technologies in his new home in Cranford, Northamptonshire.
Stephen Cragg explains “I am keen on innovation, energy efficiency, and building technology in general; the project has been designed to feature a range of environmentally-conscious technologies principally intended to reduce energy consumption. When I researched how to build the property, it became apparent that the most effective approach is to reduce the energy demand as opposed to simply generating energy by renewable technologies. I, therefore, focused on utilising solar gain via large areas of south facing fenestration and then keeping this energy within the building envelope. It will be interesting to look back in a year, three years and ten years, and see where we are in terms of our goals. I anticipate that the combination of insulated concrete formwork walls and the SpeedDeck Dynamic Insulation roof system will exceed my expectations.”
One example is in the construction of the roof; it consists of Sedum green roof, secret fix SpeedDeck 0.9mm aluminium, 130mm SpeedDeck Dynamic Insulation, vcl/temporary weatherproof membrane, 18mm ply and metal web timber joists. This construction approach provides an aesthetically pleasing ‘thin’ roof profile with outstanding insulation properties which met the architectural aspirations of both the local planning authority and Stephen! The dynamic roof insulation is coupled with a mechanical heat recovery and ventilation system which is central to maximising building comfort and heating efficiencies.
Additional features include walls of polystyrene/cavity/polystyrene permanent formwork for insulation and air tightness, along with underfloor heating and a natural water-cooling feature in the central courtyard.
Progress and trial results will be published here regularly.