Spent last weekend at the AECB (Association for Environment Conscious Buildings) in Oxford which was very inspiring and came back with the idea of designing a very low energy holiday lodge.  Better insulated lodges are beginning to appear on the market but the level of insulation is still way below that which could dramatically reduce heating bills, never mind reducing carbon emissions.  However, the Passiv Haus concept, pioneered by architects and engineers in mainland Europe, could reduce energy costs to 10-20% of their current level.  Combined with appropriate renewable energy systems, low energy lighting etc. there is the potential to create a lodge which is extremely comfortable and, even in Winter, costs very little to heat.  At its most extreme there is the prospect of buildings which are entirely off-grid.

As well as reducing utility bills other benefits include:

• reduction or elimination of infrastructure costs: electricity, gas even drainage and water
• extension of the season to year round
• opening up of land which is difficult to serve
• novelty value of staying in a Passiv Haus
• attractive to customers with strong environmental or ethical concerns

More detail can be found by following the links below but if you are interested in working on a design with us please call.

http://www.aecb.net/

http://www.passivhaus.org.uk/

http://www.vividgreen.co.uk/garden-offices-advice.php