Transition Finsbury Park

THIS HOUSE is part of the eco house weekend on June 12th. More info http://www.victeri.co.uk/eco.html There's also an interesting introductory debate on 25th May. Flyers attached below.

On Thursday 31st March I had the pleasure of assisting as a hostess at an Open House evening in Hackney, London which was set up as part of The SuperHome network.

Set amongst a quiet urban setting consisting of 1950's flats on one side of Green Lanes and and 19th century Victorian housing on the other was an recently developed Eco-House.

wall insulationFrom the outside this three storey home, established in 1870 looks grandeur, but pretty generic amongst neighbouring houses. However, the difference once inside the front door makes this place unique. Over the past three years this house has undergone an extreme makeover, both in an aesthetic and energy sense. The house has a total carbon saving of 63% when running at its full capacity. That's three floors of separate rooms and internal and external features that collectively generate an almost entirely organic energy supply.

Within the large hallway you notice the recent developments immediately, the half finished original floor tiles, stripped wood flooring, part sanded banisters and fresh paint on the walls all leading into the light and airy kitchen. Once inside the guests were greeted by Linda the homeowner who gave them the guided tour of the building.

rainwater harvestingWithin the basement sits two large (1600 litre) rainwater tanks for the toilets and washing machine. The ground floor boasts under raised insulated flooring within the kitchen area, low energy 2.5 watt LED light bulbs and replica cornices on the ceilings and walls. The hallway, stairwell, landing and each room have sash windows, double glazed with low E-glass (argon filled) which have been fitted (U=15) providing further insulation.

Other than the stairs area the house has internal wall insulation (50 and 60 mm Celotex) On the third floor sits the gas condensing boiler, radiators and programmable TRV's (heat controlling system for the entire house). The third floor overlooks the brown roof above the study. The brown roof consists of a natural outside space where Linda is waiting for plants and shrubs to grow naturally.

PV array at Henry RoadThe pièce de résistance can be found on the main roof of the property. These are the two sqm solar thermal panels for domestic water heating and the 1.6k VP photovoltaic panels that contribute towards power and hot water for the dwelling from April to October. As a way to assist with 2020 targets to reduce fossil fuel usage by 20% the government incentivises homeowners to install solar panels that have a feed in tariff. Feed in tariffs are backed by the government and governed by law. However, it is energy companies who will pay for the energy that is generated and used.

All of the eight guests came to view the house with the intention of learning methods and best practices to begin or complete their own Eco Houses. This opportunity proved to be an invaluable networking experience for everyone that attended as Linda shared her stories and knowledge with them.

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