Low Energy Self-Build, Suffolk

Architect Lucy Mobbs from Suffolk firm Mobbs Architects has designed a low energy newbuild project for selfbuilder clients in Suffolk. The 197 m2 timber frame house aimed for high fabric efficiency and achieved high levels of airtightness.

21°’s GBS98 triple glazed timber alu-clad windows and doors were chosen for the project. 21° also designed, supplied and commissioned the project’s MVHR system.

Design

The building is designed around a private courtyard as it was necessary to locate the house to the southern end of the site where overlooking was more likely. An 8m wide glazed section of wall in the kitchen/living room faces south while other parts of the house complete a courtyard to create a private and sheltered outdoor space.

The construction is lightweight timber frame with wood fibre insulation and achieved 0.6 air changes per hour at 50 Pascals. The house is heated with an air source heat pump, linked to a 6kWp PV array.

Triple glazed alu-clad windows and doors

21°’s GBS98 triple glazed timber alu-clad inward-opening windows with a whole window U value of 0.75 W/m2K were chosen for the project. A shaped Apex window was also selected.

The aluminium-cladding was finished in RAL 9005 while the internal timber finish was RAL 7021 on the inside.

A Contemporary door (BL02) was specified with a sidelight, as well as two Lift & Slide doors and some fully-glazed entrance doors.

We chose 21° GBS98 windows because of the thermal performance. The aluminium-clad frames added aesthetic value and worked well with both the zinc and rendered wall finishes. We had great support from 21° during the detailed design stage.

Lucy Mobbs - Architect