Press release – April 2009
The revolutionary ECO2H2OUSE features at Grand Designs Live
ECO2H2OUSE is a new building system designed to create a building envelope that meets passive house energy standards. The ECO2H2OUSE’s modular frame system means that it is quick to build and that architects can create individual designs for a wide variety of building types. The system features the unique approach of using water for thermal mass, along with many other innovative construction techniques.
A cutaway exhibit of the ECO2H2OUSE at Ecobuild, 3–5 March 2009, Earls Court, London, will offer the opportunity to see under the skin of one of the most innovative new developments in low-carbon home construction.
The ECO2H2OUSE uses laminated veneered lumber (LVL) material to create a robust frame, which is faster to construct than both conventional brick-built and traditional timber-framed houses. The modular make-up provides architects with the freedom to create individual designs, using the frame as a base, for a wide variety of building types to fit individual specifications. Different insulation products and renewable energy features can be supplied, depending on the individual building’s location and requirements.
By using water as thermal mass, the ECO2H2OUSE breaks the mould of existing timber-framed buildings. The water, which is stored in tanks strategically located throughout the house, captures excess heat during hot summer periods to prevent the building from overheating – a major problem in conventional timber-frame construction. The additional thermal mass ensures a more even internal temperature throughout the year, and can be used to maximise passive solar gain in winter, thereby reducing the heating requirement.
The property of all public sector landlords, including social housing, must meet Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes from 2010, and zero-carbon standards, Level 6, from 2013. All new homes built from 2016 must be built to Level 6. The ECO2H2OUSE will meet Level 6 with the addition of appropriate elements for the individual location, such as renewable energy.
ECO2H2OUSE is a product from ECO2H2O (pronounced ECO); a UK-based eco-home consulting and construction company that provides a one-stop shop for homes meeting passive house energy standards. Products from ECO2H2O were featured on Channel 4’s Grand Designs programme on 18 February 2009, in the Eco Arch house of architect Richard Hawkes.
Richard, who works with ECO2H2O, says, “I share the same philosophy as ECO2H2O. We both want to reduce energy consumption in buildings through approaches such as the increased use of thermal mass. We want to cut out the greenwash, and make real progress in moving sustainability forward.”
For more information about the ECO2H2OUSE visit www.ECO2H2O.com
For more information about Ecobuild visit www.ecobuild.co.uk
For more information on the Eco Arch house on Grand Designs visit
www.channel4.com/4homes/on-tv/grand-designs/episode-guides/weald-of-kent-eco-arch-the-story-09-02-18_p_1.html
Richard Hawkes, architect of Channel 4’s Grand Designs Eco Arch house, will be on the ECO2H2O stand at Ecobuild on 3 March.
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For more information please email info@ECO2H2O.com or
telephone: 01628 760462