There is a significant lack of relevant research and data for traditional building performance (both existing structures and retrofitted), however there is no short term fix for this issue. Materials, features and users of buildings interact in complex ways that require a holistic and systemic approach. There are also values and aims with regard to […]
There are two areas in which breathable conditions are vital. These are fabric health and human health. In certain circumstances, building fabric can be damaged due to a lack of breathability, and human health can be affected due to a build-up of mould. Mould spores are incredibly small and can even penetrate solid rock. Damp […]
DJP Construction have greatly surpassed the Enerphit airtightness target using Pavatex products. Exceeding Expectations DJP achieved exemplary airtightness for an existing building in Cirencester, despite complicated detailing required around penetrating roof trusses. Architects Potter & Holmes, and consultants Greengauge chose Pavatex airtight products to meet the stringent airtightness target. With attention to detail and well […]
Warm Up Bristol have launched a new planning guide for those considering major improvements to their home. The Guide to Solid Wall Insulation is a detailed document which aims to help Bristolians make crucial assessments before commencing on home upgrades. There is a short online quiz which asks important questions about the current features and […]
Congratulations to Arcadia Nursery and Malcolm Fraser Architects who have won the Best Use of Timber Award at the RIAS Awards 2015. The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) named 12 shortlisted buildings for their prestigious Doolan Award this year, choosing the buildings which they felt represented the best of current Scottish architecture. As […]
We take a look back at Nirvana, a raised single storey house located near Rye, East Sussex. Natural Building Technologies were asked to provide the natural, breathable insulation material for Nirvana. The aim was not only for the materials to help achieve the desired level of performance, but also to contribute to the look and […]
Lower heating cost and peace of mind for owners of this Sussex Heritage Trust prize winning house. When the owners of Forge House decided to improve the thermal performance of their new home as part of extensive works to the property with CDMS architects, NBT Pavadry was chosen to give a risk-free upgrade to the […]
Natural Building Technologies will be exhibiting at this year’s Timber Expo. The NBT team will be heading down to the Birmingham NEC on 6th-8th October to exhibit at this year’s Timber Expo as part of UK Construction Week. The event is the biggest of its kind in the UK, and gives business in the construction […]
After aiming to achieve the highest building standards across the board, the Enterprise Centre at the University of East Anglia (UEA) is being called the greenest, most sustainable building in the UK. John French is the CEO of UEA’s Adapt Low Carbon Group and also directed the Enterprise Centre project. French was keen to build […]
What do we mean by the “performance gap” when we talk about buildings? When a building is designed, there is a targeted level of energy performance. Once a building is completed however, the reality is that these targets often aren’t achieved. The focus at the moment is on closing the gap between intended and actual […]
60% of all energy used in domestic dwellings is through space heating. This is an extremely high percentage and is much higher than any other source of energy loss. However when it comes to creating energy efficiency in buildings, the focus is often on other areas of energy consumption. There has been quite a lot […]
When we talk about “breathability” in buildings, we aren’t referring to the movement of air within a building, rather the movement of water. Water moves in and out of buildings constantly as both a liquid and as a gas, and is practically everywhere; inside the building, outside, in the walls, floors and roofs. Breathability is […]
