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Alternative Building Technology Solutions
Alternative technology builds don't only save carbon emissions, they create habitats which are often reducing the pollutants we live within but also breathe in. A natural technology designed environment, cannot only out perform many conventional builds in offering healthy building standards, but can compliment healthy natural assisted living which often replicates historical traditional buildings, with the added bonus of 21st century living functionality and beautifully crafted
Timber frame
Timber frame remains a constant building fabrication system and can accommodate a variety of building needs. Considerations are for movement, weather protection and ventilation. Good European source and supply. It is a natural product and therefore locks in carbon and has good thermal properties. It's demand has a downside, supply and growth/ replanting cannot keep up with the EU demands and costs change and vary considerably. Where combined with natural insulations, we give this an overall rating 7/ 10
SIP Panel
SIPs panels are a modern approach towards achieving high energy efficiency and are often quick to build and can be built offsite for accuracy. They are structural and limit waste from site production. It can be engineered point loaded for beams and engineered joists and Glulam beams are very appropriate with this product. It cuts down waste and reduces skilled workmanship on site along with reducing or even eliminating thermal bridging. Suited for robustness and for major to medium scheme works. It gives great U value performances and airtightness. Downside, it can be a little more expensive than Timber framing. Environmentally it really depends on the choice of insulation GES rate this a an 8/10 on performance
Hygroscopic materials
Naturally performing materials can be both engineered solutions and historically local influenced supplied. Hygroscopic materials allow for the product to retain water vapour and to allow this to migrate outwards, without damage to the cells of the structure, these are open diffusive by nature. They can allow for relative humidity balance and as such allow wet products to maintain equilibrium in thermal performance to those which are not hygroscopic.
