Benhaven: a deep retrofit
This 36-year-old cottage at the bottom of the garden needed a rethink. Cold in winter, hot in summer, draughty, energy-guzzling… and the deeper I looked, the more problems emerged.
This is not professional advice. Always follow relevant regulations and follow manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Intro
·250 words
The plan is to add eaves; build massive insulation into the roof and floor; seal up major air leaks; get good windows; and improve moisture management in the bathroom.
Structure
·529 words
Before anything can happen, we need to shore up the walls. And then rebuild the roof so it can take the loads of insulation and overhanging eaves.
Electrics
·491 words
It turned out that all the electrical wiring needed to be replaced. Anyway, new wiring was needed for outdoor lights, an exhaust fan, and a split system heat pump.
Insulation
·1285 words
What if there was a material that buffered temperatures; didn’t trap moisture; was durable; cheap and easy to buy; an agricultural waste product?
Flooring & ceiling
·326 words
A ceiling of limewashed OSB. A floor of salvaged hardwood floorboards. Both are cheap, functional, and cosy.
Roof
·328 words
Having a flat roof is asking for trouble. So: sheathing for a clear drainage plane; battens for a ventilation path; ribbed metal roofing.
Bathroom
·721 words
A healthy space should be based on managing moisture. Constant ventilation, vapour permeable walls, and hygroscopic clay plaster.
Windows
·1136 words
Every home needs decent windows. Of course these come at a price. So I tried my hand at making my own timber windows.
Details
·77 words
Schedule of materials with costing.