The Oxford Green House energy efficient pathfinder home takes shape

The Oxford Green House energy efficient pathfinder home is really taking shape now – with a final push towards completion in the next month.

In our last blog post, we introduced the Oxford Green House project where Tim Nicholson and partner Joanne Bowlt are transforming an 1960s end-of-terrace townhouse into a low to zero carbon home that should be a pathfinder for people who want to make a sustainable contribution to the environment.

As part of this quiet revolution, we and partner hansgrohe are providing practical solutions to drastically reduce water, heating and energy use, with EcoSmart showers, EcoSmart taps and LED lighting.

The property in Oxford will be a home fit for a planet-friendly future – sustainable, energy efficient, stylish, appealing and comfortable.

Video overview

Tim gave us an update this week on the project’s progress and there’s a great overview video of the Green House retrofit:

http://youtu.be/naMTc4jL_7M&w=560&h=315

With the major reconstruction work completed, this week, Tim and Joanne are juggling the installation work with final choices and delivery of the many eco-friendly fittings throughout the property.

Tim says: “We want to make sure that the reburbishment is not a short-term fix but will last for decades so we’re making careful choices about the right materials and fittings.”

An option for the kitchen is to use bamboo, which is a highly effective, durable and sustainable wood source and the couple have ordered worktops made of recycled glass as well as a Cotswold stone hearth from a quarry that draws much of its power from anaerobic digesters and solar power.

LED lighting

This week, too, the project plumber will be fitting the water-saving hansgrohe EcoSmart showers, fittings and taps while the electrician will be working on the fittings for the energy-saving LED lights throughout the property.

The EcoSmart range should cut water consumption by more than 50% compared with standard showers and taps while the LED lighting will reduce electricity use by around 90% compared with incandescent and halogen bulbs.

Tim has also had a very successful “skip diving” outing. He recovered some wonderful, quality Italian porcelain tiles from a skip which will be ideal for the bathroom and he’s sourcing more from the manufacturer to complete the job.

To find out more about how you can help to reduce carbon emissions while cutting your energy and water bills, call us on 0845 123 5464.