Energy Ratings and EcoHomes Assessment for the construction of 22 dwellings sheltered housing and respite care facility.

This assessment required permission from BRE to allow us to assess this under the EcoHomes strict criteria.

The development was a mix of both houses and flats. Of the units to be assessed included Houses arranged as one row and one pair of semi-detached houses. Flats (to be Dual Sensory Loss units) in a two-storey building.

The units were required to obtain an EcoHomes rating of at least Very Good as part of the Housing Association Requirements. To achieve this included the following:-

The construction consisted of two roof types Pitched and Flat. The Pitched Roof timber rafters, sarking, insulation, Shire Pan Tiles (Concrete). The Flat Roof Asphalt, Insulation, Timber Firrings, joists.

The external walls to the Flats a mixture of four types:-
Type 1: Brick outer, cavity insulation, dense block inner
Type 2: Dense block outer, cavity insulation, dense block inner
Type 3: Render, block, insulation, block
Type 4: FinnForest Cladding, Block, insulation, block

The external wall to the houses brickwork, plywood sheathing, timber frame with insulation, plasterboard, paint.

The ground floors beam and block system, insulation and screed. The upper floors screed and tongue and groove chipboard. Windows with softwood frames.

All dwellings have access to outdoor private or semi-private area. Space heating and water heating provided by Ariston Class HE Combi boiler with low Nox emissions of 39.

The site had good access to local amenities.