Natural Building Technologies’ (NBT’s) natural insulation systems
have been used in the construction of a modern and energy efficient
private home set within the unspoilt, traditional village of
Leafield. NBT’s ThermoPlan structural insulating blocks and Pavaclad
and Pavaroof woodfibre insulation systems deliver exceptional levels
of thermal insulation and satisfy the sustainability requirements
for the home. The systems’ breathability also ensures the long-term
integrity of the building’s structure and delivers a healthy living
environment.
The idyllic rural community is situated on the edge of the Cotswolds
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). As such, architects faced
the challenge of designing a residential property which satisfied
the contemporary and sustainable specifications set by the client,
but simultaneously incorporated the local vernacular form and
materials, thereby complying with AONB planning restrictions.
Playing a key part in the architects’ success were NBT’s high
performing insulation systems.
Designed by A+G Architects, the building comprises two main masses
and a lightweight timber and glass linking element. The front part
of the home has a traditional finish, featuring Cotswold stone and a
natural slate roof. In contrast, the rear element has a more
contemporary appearance with a south-facing, curved structure,
featuring a bespoke brise soleil, zinc monopitched roofing, and
Cotswold stone and British chestnut cladding.
The walls of the property were predominantly constructed using NBT’s
Thermoplan structural insulating blocks. ThermoPlan uses a true thin
bed, 1mm thick mortar to secure rows of blocks, with interlocking
dry vertical joints anchoring adjacent blocks along the row. The
simplicity of the construction process enables ThermoPlan block
walls to be typically constructed three to four times faster than
conventional blockwork structures, with no limitation on the height
that can be built in a day and no drying out shrinkage.
The honeycomb cross-section structure of the blocks delivers
excellent levels of both thermal and acoustic insulation, while
their microporous structure further benefits the insulation
performance and delivers highly effective breathability. The blocks
also provide crucial thermal mass, which helps to prevent
overheating during the hotter summer months.
In addition, the building also has some timber frame wall sections,
insulated using NBT’s Pavaclad woodfibre insulation system. This
features NBT’s Pavatherm Plus woodfibre boards installed in a
continuous layer over the frame, finished externally with the stone
or timber cladding. Infill insulation is also used between the
studs, and an OSB board is installed to provide racking strength.
Similarly, the Pavaroof system employed for the insulation of the
building’s zinc monopitch roof features Pavatherm Plus woodfibre
boards installed over the rafters with additional infill insulation
between them.
Being manufactured from over 95% recycled timber, and drawn from FSC
approved sources, NBT’s woodfibre insulation boards fulfill the
sustainability criteria for the home, whilst simultaneously
delivering ultra high levels of thermal performance. In addition,
when installed within NBT’s high performing insulation systems, the
woodfibre boards create a fully breathable construction, thereby
maintaining a healthy environment, with reduced risk of mould
formation and the associated health risks to occupants.
Use of NBT’s natural insulation systems resulted in U-values of 0.26
W/m2k for the ThermoPlan walls, 0.18 W/m2k for the timber frame wall
sections, and 0.15 W/m2k for the roof.
Additional energy saving measures at the Leafield home include a
mechanical ventilation heat recovery system, roof-mounted solar
panels, and high performance double glazed windows.
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