Level 6 Net-Zero Carbon HouseFact File

2

The Code for Sustainable Homes is a world leading all-round measure of theenvironmental sustainability, ensuring that new homes deliver real improvements inkey areas such as Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions and water use.

� The Government’s objective for the Code is that it becomes the single national standard forthe design and construction of homes, and that it drives a step-change in sustainable homebuilding practice.

� The aim to make the system of gaining a Code assessment as simple, transparent andrigorous as possible, a process that inspires confidence in Code assessors, home builders,product manufacturers and, crucially, consumers.

� The Code supersedes EcoHomes and with it, it lifts the standards required for energyand water consumption.

The Government has indicated its intention to use the code as the basis of futureBuilding Regulations Part L (1A) changes, proposing it as a route map for new homes tobecome net-Zero Carbon by 2016.

The Code defines 6 Levels of environmental sustainability:

� Level 1 is set just above current 2006 Building Regulations.

� Level 6 is ‘net-Zero Carbon’ for homes in use, including appliance and occupant energy use.

An increasing proportion of credits are needed to satisfy each level, of which a mandatoryproportion are energy and water, reflecting the growing importance of climate change andpotable water availability.

Introduction to theCode for Sustainable Homes

Voluntary

Private sector (Energy) >

Public sectorland/funds >

Assessmentmandatory

Level 3mandatory

Level 4mandatory

Level 6mandatory

Level 3mandatory

Level 4mandatory

Level 6mandatory

Time-line: 2007 2008 2010 2013 2016

The Code for Sustainable Homes Route Map

3

The Code for Sustainable Homes is a set of sustainable design principles coveringperformance in nine key areas:

� Energy and CO2 � Water � Materials

� Surface water run-off � Waste � Pollution

� Heath and well being � Management � Ecology

The Code for Sustainable Homes and contents from its Guidance document is Crown Copyright and available from Communities andLocal Government Publications and online via www.communities.gov.uk

4

Introduction to theCode for Sustainable HomesThe Code provides valuable information to homebuyers on the sustainabilityperformance of homes. Houses built to the standards in the Code will bringwith them lower running costs, improved well-being and reductions in theenvironmental footprint.

In addition, all new Zero Carbon homes costing up to £500,000 will be exemptfrom Stamp Duty and where the purchase price of the home is greater, then theStamp Duty will be reduced by £15,000.

With these standards come new technology and altered ways of living. Tooperate a truly Zero Carbon home and a way of living, occupiers need to bewell-informed – making optimum use of appliances and systems that reduceconsumption and generate renewable and alternative forms of energy.

Technology to Reduce ConsumptionMechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR)An electrically driven whole house ventilation system with very efficient heat recoveryprovides background ventilation in the home.

Electricity Appliances: Efficient +++ goods and a reduction in stand-by power.

Lighting: Low energy lighting technology throughout with external mood lightingprovided by LED lights.

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Biomass boilerThe boiler provides hot water and spaceheating in winter, fuelled by wood pellets. It islocated in the utility room to provide adedicated drying area, as an alternative to the(electricity sapping) tumble dryer.

Solar thermal panelsThe panels generate all the hot water insummer and some in the spring and autumn,reducing the demand on the biomass boiler andthe amount of wood used.

Photovoltaic (PV) arrayPV panels capture energy from the sun tosupply electricity for the whole house.

Smart Metering and monitoring systemsA Smart Meter records energy consumption, tohelp occupants identify any wastage and topromote more environmentally aware lifestyles.

VentilationUnderstanding how the ventilation and passivesystem operates – activated by the‘windcatcher’ in the Lighthouse.

HeatingThe building envelope specification will deliverhigh levels of thermal insulation and airtightnessso that the home will only need to be heated fora couple of months in mid-winter.

Reducing solar gainExternal shutters can be used in summer toreduce the build up of heat. They block out alldirect sunlight.

Reduced glazing Complying with the U-values of the Code, theglazing is 5-10% less than that in the traditionalhome. The living space of the Lighthouse isadapted to accommodate this with a largedouble height volume on the upper levels withsleeping accommodation below.

Airtightness Lobby areas design to the front and backof the house to maintain the high level of theairtightness in the build.

WaterIncreased awareness about what water to usewhere - rainwater for the garden and washingmachine, shower and bath water for the WC.

Technology to Generate Renewable Energy

For Code Level 6, the mandatory heat loss parameter standard isvery high placing more demands on the building envelope such asinsulation, glazing and shading and how these operate with thetechnological systems of the house.

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Environmental issuescovered by the Code:

A combination of mandatory and tradable points are available:

Number of points a house needs to achieve for each Code level:

• Waste• Materials• Water Surface Run-off

• Energy• Potable Water Consumption

• Energy• Potable Water Consumption• Waste• Materials• Water Surface Run-off• Pollution• Health & Wellbeing• Management

Code for Sustainable HomesLevels 1 to 6

Environmental Impact Number Environmental Weighting Categories of Credits Factor (as % of total possible

Points Score available)

Category 1 – Energy/CO2 29 credits 36.4%Category 2 – Water 6 credits 9.0%Category 3 – Materials 24 credits 7.2%Category 4 – Surface Water Run-off 4 credits 2.2%Category 5 – Waste 7 credits 6.4%Category 6 – Pollution 4 credits 2.8%Category 7 – Health & Wellbeing 12 credits 14.0%Category 8 – Management 9 credits 10.0%Category 9 – Ecology 9 credits 12.0%

Total 104 credits 100.00%

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Score

Level 1Level 2Level 3Level 4Level 5Level 6

Level 1 36 Points • Exceeds Regulations(Mandatory + 33.3 Points) • EcoHomes 2006 Pass

• EST Good Practice

Level 2 48 Points • EcoHomes 2006 - Good (Mandatory + 43.0 Points)

Level 3 57 Points • EcoHomes 2006 Very Good(Mandatory + 46.7 Points) • EST Best Practice

• Conventional Water fittings

Level 4 68 Points • Greywater/Rainwater(Mandatory + 54.1 Points) • Passive House (approx)

Level 5 84 Points • Zero SAP(Mandatory + 60.1 Points) • Significant Renewables

Level 6 90 Points • Zero Operational Carbon(Mandatory + 64.9 Points) • Most Code Credits achieved

7

For Level 6 - Mandatory issues:Energy Net-Carbon Zero in operation

� Very high building envelope thermal performance

� HLP = 0.8 W/m2K or greater (SAP)

� Renewables for all heating, hot water, lights, fans and pumps.

� Renewables for occupant systems and appliances

� Credits for other low carbon features

Water – 80 litres/ day per person of potable water

� On-site water recycling required

� Using new more stringent Water Calculator

Environmental Impact of Materials

� Three of five key elements achieve relevant rating of A+ to D

� Update 2007 The Green Guide

Surface water run- off

� Peak run-off no greater than existing

� Located in low Flood Risk / Flood mitigation

Waste

� Specified minimum household waste handling

� Construction waste management system

Plus 86% of all tradable points

Note that individual credits have different weighting factor applied to them to convert than to points

1

2

3

4

5

8

Energy performance

� Walls, roof, floor U-values = 0.11 W/m2K- TEK® Building System, 284 mm thick

� Windows = 0.7 W/m2K (incl. wooden frame),triple glazed, gas filled

� Air permeability = 1m3/h/m2 at 50Pa

� Thermal bridging 4.5% of surface area

� Mechanical ventilation = 88% heat recovery- Kingspan KAR MVHR

� Specific fan power 0.92W/l/s

� Lighting – 100% compact fluorescents

� Drying room with fittings

� Energy labelled A++ white goods

� External lights on PIR sensors

� Cycle storage

� Home office facilities

On-site renewable energy

� 4.7kW, 46m2 photovoltaics

� 10 kW automatic wood pellet boiler– only 2kW needed

� Wood pellet store, filled 2/3 times a year

� 4m2 solar hot water to reduce wood pelletresource used in summer

Potable water reduction

� Low water shower 8 litres/min and taps

� Dual flush WC, 4/2 litres, 160 litre bath

� Water labelled A++ washing white goods

� Greywater recycling for WC flushing

� Rainwater harvesting for washing machineand irrigation

Surface water run-off/pollution

� Bio-filtration through surface watermanagement - swales

Materials

� Walls and roof – TEK® Building System

� Cladding – sweet chestnut

� Paved surfaces from recycled or sustainablesources

Waste

� Construction – recycled, reused

� Household – bin compartments

� Composting

Health and well-being

� Daylight 1.5 – 2% daylight factors

� Private space

� Lifetime homes

Management

� Home user guide

� Construction Site Impacts

� Security – alarm system

Ecology

� Improved biodiversity through native plantingand creation of surface water

Lighthouse: the Level 6 House1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Section

Lighthouse Design

The structure of the Lighthouse is a simplebarn-like form, derived from a 40° roofaccommodating a PV array. The sweeping roofenvelops the central space – a generous,open-plan, top-lit, double height living space,with the sleeping accommodation at groundlevel. The living space uses a timber portalstructure so floors can be slotted between theframes or left open as required.

It is constructed using Kingspan Off-Site’sTEK® Building System, high performance SIPS(structurally insulated panel based system)which, for the Lighthouse, will provide a highlevel of thermal insulation and performance– U-values of 0.11W/m2K and airtightness ofless than 1m3/hr/m2 at 50Pa – reducing theheat loss by potentially two thirds of astandard house.

11

The foundations consist of off-site timber floorcassettes on a ring beam of timber beamssupported off the ground level by screw fastpile heads. The piles provide minimaldisturbance to the ground and providesuitable supports for domestic scale dwellings.When the building reaches the end of its usefullifespan, the fast foundation support point canbe removed.

12

Lighthouse DesignPlan

13

14

Elevation

Lighthouse Design

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MaterialsAlthough not mandatory to the Code, every buildingmaterial and component used has been specifiedfor its ability to optimise the house’s overallsustainability credentials and minimise embodiedenergy and maximise recycled content and reuse.

These include:

• Timber frame

• Sweet chestnut cladding

• Screw piles

• Floating ground floor,replacing concrete slab

• Wool carpet

• Natural rubber flooring

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The Lighthouse seeks to address thechallenges of future climate change andsummer overheating.

The Lighthouse is testing examples of‘thermal heavyweight’ room ceiling surfaceswithin a lightweight structural system.

Two different surfaces are demonstrated:

� BASF PCM (Phase Change Material)plasterboard

� Dense cement fibre board

These surfaces help absorb daytime heatand then give it up to cooler night timepurge ventilation.

Accommodating forClimate Change

TYPE 12 storey + mezzanine

Phase Change Material absorb roomheat by changing from solid to liquidwithin microscopic capsulesembedded within board. Thisprocess is then reversed when theroom is cooled with night air

PCM - powder

Polymer mantle

Wax MP: ca. 26˚C∆H:110J/g

5µm

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Building services are integrated withSmart Metering and monitoring thatrecords energy consumption andenables occupants to identify if anywastage is occurring, helping topromote more environmentallyaware lifestyles.

Room temperature modifying influence ofPhase Change Material (Year 2000 climate)

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

The approach to minimisingfuture summer overheating:

1. Large secure ventilation openingsoccupants feel safe leaving openat night and away from home.

2. Modest sized windows.

3. Solar shading, with futureupgrade sufficient to stop 90%of direct solar gain.

4. Low energy appliances(hence low heat emitting).

5. ‘Thermally heavyweight’ roomsurfaces to absorb daytime heatgains and provide natural cooling.

6. Purge ventilation to remove atnight the heat absorbed by theroom surfaces during the day.

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07-Ju

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09-Ju

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11-Ju

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15-Ju

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17-Ju

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19-Ju

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21-Ju

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23-Ju

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25-Ju

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27-Ju

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29-Ju

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31-Ju

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Room comfort temperature Outdoor air temperature

Accommodating forClimate Change

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Windcatcher/lightfunnel

Solar collectorsand shading

Low embodiedenergy

Selectivethermal mass

Technical DesignInherent to the design of the Lighthouseis the response to the predicted increasein temperature due to climate change.

This is achieved through a combinationof design techniques and systems.

19

Solarcollection and

north light

Passiveventilation

Internalplanning

Flexiblespace

Selectivethermalmass

Solarshading

Day Night

Selective Thermal MassPhase changing material in the ceilings absorbs the room heat by changing from solid toliquid within microscopic capsules embedded in the board. This process is reversed whenthe room is cooled with the night air, working with the passive system of the windcatcher.

Passive VentilationLocated on the roof, above the central void over thestaircase, the windcatcher provides passive coolingand ventilation. When open this catches the cold airforcing it down into the heart of the houses, livingspace and the ground floor sleeping accommodation,dispersing the hot air, allowing it to escape.

The windcatcher also brings daylight deep into the planof the house and provides the ground floor sleepingaccommodation with secure night time ventilation.

Accommodating forClimate Change

20

Glass lid(single glazed)

South facing glass‘chimney’

Aluminium louvres

Proprietary rooflights insidealuminium tube

Aluminium tubeddescend intoroom

Solar Gain & ShadingAt Level 6 there is a mandatory heat loss parameter which demands high U-values for the buildingfabric - 0.8 W/m2K for the windows and 0.11W/m2K for the walls. As a result the ratio of glazing towall in the Lighthouse is 18% as opposed to 25-30% in traditional houses. This drove our decisionto locate the living space on to the first floor enabling us to maximise daylight and volume, with atop-lit double height living space.

Shading to the west elevation is provided by retractable shutters restricting direct sunlight,minimising heat gain in the summer. These can be folded away when not required to shade thespace from evening sun. Future temperatures in the UK may reach those similar to southernEurope, however, our sun angle will remain low; we still need to maximise sun and daylight mid-season and winter. The passive design of the house must balance the technical considerationswith the occupants’ expectations who are more accustomed to light and airy living.

21

22

Single Unit

25 Unit DevelopmentUK Average Scheme Size

250 Unit Development

Achieving Code Level 6

Note: Above information is for guidance only. As there are many off-grid/renewable energy technology and economic combinations,they must be considered on an individual scheme basis. Contact Kingspan Off-Site for further information.

23

OR

Photovoltaics4.7kW

Solar Hot Water4m2

Wood PelletBoiler 2kW

Photovoltaics25kW

Wood PelletMicro-CHP4 No. 1kW

Local WindTurbine 45kW- 15m Blades

Wood PelletBoiler 50kW

OR

Biomass CHP100kWe

Local WindTurbine 400kW- 45m Blades

BiomassBoiler 450kW

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EnergyFor a single home:Level 110% better than Part L1A: 2006

Level 3 25% better than Part L1A: 2006.Enhanced performance fromconventional approach

Level 4 44% better than Part L1A: 2006. As level 3 but with some on-siterenewables. Can be achieved withsolar hot water collectors

Level 5 100% better than Part L1A: 2006.As level 4 but with on-siterenewables sufficient for all ofheating, hot water, lighting, fans andpumps. Requires both heat andelectricity from renewable energysources

Level 6 Super-insulation standard, plusrenewable energy for appliancesand plug demands, as well asrenewables to meet Level 5.

DHW

Heating

Lighting

Fans+pumps

Appliances+

plug loads

DHW

Heating

Lighting

Fans+pumps

Appliances+

plug loads

DHW

Heating

Lighting

Fans+pumps

Appliances+

plug loads

SAP – 25%CSH Level 3

SAP – 10%CSH Level 1

Apartment Part L:2006

Occ

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s

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Typical upgrade path:Level 1Walls U-values 0.2 W/m2KWindows U-value 1.6 W/m2K

Level 3 Walls U-values 0.18 W/m2KWindows U-value 1.4 W/m2KAir permeability 5m3/h/m2 at 50Pa

Level 4 As 4m2 of solar hot water panels

Level 5 Low energy lighting throughout 5kW wood pellet boiler1.5kW of photovoltaics

Level 6 Wall/roof/ground U-values of 0.11 W/m2KWindow U-value 0.7 W/m2KAir permeability 1m3/h/m2 at 50Pa90% heat recovery ventilation2kW wood pellet boiler4kW of photovoltaics

DHW

Heating

Lighting

Fans+pumps

Renewables

SAP – 44%CSH Level 4

SAP – 100%CSH Level 5

Zero CarbonCSH Level 6

Appliances+

plug loads

DHW

Heating

Lighting

Fans+pumps

Appliances+

plug loads

DHW

Heating

LightingFans+pumps

RenewablesRenewables

Appliances+

plug loads

EnergyEnergy UseThe energy use has been calculated using an adapted SAP method. SAP (StandardAssessment Procedure) is the calculation method used for the energy assessment for checkingBuilding Regulations compliance for dwellings. The heating energy is calculated using a degreeday method.

SAP has been adapted as follows:

� 100% low energy lighting rather than 30%

� 0% secondary heating rather than 10% electrical

� 88% heat recovery efficiency rather than 66%

� specific fan power (SFP) of 0.92 W/l/s rather than 2 W/l/s

� 2940 kWh/yr solar thermal (calculated by manufacturer) rather than 1475 kWh/yr

� water heating based on reduced shower water flow rate

The energy cost of running the Kingspan Lighthouse would be about £31 per year forthe wood pellets, assuming wood pellets cost 1.8 p/kWh. The electricity is free, fromthe sun! A house of the same size and shape but built to 2006 Building Regulationsstandards would cost about £500 a year in energy bills.

Most of the domestic hot water energy is provided by the solar thermal panels. There is a smallamount of Carbon Dioxide emissions associated with the growing, processing and delivery ofthe wood pellets for the remainder of the hot water and for the space heating. This is offset byextra renewable electricity that is generated from the sun by the photovoltaic panels andexported to the grid.

In this way, the house is Net-Zero Carbon on an annual basis.

Energy use Carbon Dioxide Fuel costemissions

kWh/yr kWh/m2/yr kgCO2/yr kgCO2/m2/yr £/yr £/m2/yr

Lighting 500 4 0 0 0 0

Other fans and pumps 200 2 0 0 0 0

MVHR fans 400 4 0 0 0 0

Domestic hot water 3000 29 2 0 1 0

Space heating 1700 16 43 0.4 30 0.3

Catering 900 9 0 0 0 0

Occupant electricity use 2100 20 0 0 0 0

Total 8800 83 45* 0.4 31 0.3

* Offset by PV energy exported into grid

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This chart compares the estimated energy use for Lighthouse with benchmarks and measured data.

The Building Regulations estimates were done for a similar size and shape house designed to Building Regulationsstandards for 2006 and for 2002. Leicester is measured data for a residential home development for old aged pensioners,which was built in the mid-1990s. The 2001 national data is measured data averaged over all the housing stock in the UK.

LighthouseEnergy Use

Occupantelectricityuse 24%

Catering11%

Space heating19%

Domestic hot water35%

Lighting 5% Other fans and pumps 2%

MVHR fans 4%

Operational Energy Use300.0

250.0

200.0

150.0

100.0

50.0

0.0Kingspan 2006 Building 2002 National Leicester 2001 National

Lighthouse Regs Flat Data

Space heatingDomestic hot waterLightingOther fans and pumpsMVHR fansCateringOccupant electricity use

27

kWh/

m2 /y

r

28

Energy Certification

29

30

Lighthouse Building Services

Smart metering

Modular wiring

Low energy lighting

A++ whitegoods

Secure purgeventilation

Rainwaterrecycling tank

Low water flowfittings

31

Solar hot waterheating collector

Building integratedphotovoltaic solar panels

Mechanicalventilation with heat

recovery (MVHR

Hot water andheat store

Low volume, water efficientsanitary ware, appliances and

greywater recycling

Biomass woodpellet boiler

Kingspan Off-SiteBuilding Fabric Solutions

32

Code Levels 3, 4, 5 & 6Level 3

U-value Air OverallW/m2.K Tightness Wall

m3/hr/m2 ThicknessWALL SYSTEMS@ 50 Pascals mm

TEK BUILDING SYSTEM (including plasterboard)

Brickwork 0.25 3.00 300.00

Render/Hung Slate or Tile 0.25 3.00 190.50

INSULATED TIMBER FRAME

Brickwork 0.25 3.00 315.00

Render/Hung Slate or Tile 0.25 3.00 205.00

INSULATED STEEL FRAME

Brickwork 0.25 3.00 295.00

Render/Hung Slate or Tile 0.25 3.00 200.50

Windows 1.50 2.00 N/ANote: Above data is for guidance only. Specific thermal, airtightness and construction method aresubject to individual scheme design requirements. Contact Kingspan Off-Site for further information.

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Level 4 Level 5 Level 6

U-value Air Overall U-value Air Overall U-value Air OverallW/m2.K Tightness Wall W/m2.K Tightness Wall W/m2.K Tightness Wall

m3/hr/m2 Thickness m3/hr/m2 Thickness m3/hr/m2 Thickness@ 50 Pascals mm @ 50 Pascals mm @ 50 Pascals mm

0.20 1.00 317.00 0.16 1.00 365.00 0.11 1.00 440.00

0.20 1.00 207.50 0.16 1.00 256.00 0.11 1.00 331.00

0.20 1.00 315.00 0.16 1.00 316.00 0.11 1.00 365.00

0.20 1.00 315.00 0.16 1.00 220.50 0.11 1.00 265.50

0.20 1.00 315.00 0.16 1.00 340.00 0.11 1.00 410.00

0.20 1.00 220.50 0.16 1.00 250.50 0.11 1.00 315.00

1.20 1.0 N/A 0.80 1.00 N/A 0.80 1.00 N/A

Kingspan Off-SiteBuilding Fabric Solutions

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Code Levels 3, 4, 5 & 6Level 3

U-value Air OverallW/m2.K Tightness Thickness

m3/hr/m2 mmROOF SYSTEMS@ 50 Pascals

TEK BUILDING SYSTEM

Tile or Slate 0.14 3.00 261

INSULATED TIMBER FRAME

Tile or Slate 0.14 3.00 251

Roof Windows/Lights 1.50 3.00 N/A

GROUND FLOORS

Concrete Slab 0.20 3.00 -

Note: Above data is for guidance only. Specific thermal, airtightness and construction method aresubject to individual scheme design requirements. Contact Kingspan Off-Site for further information.

35

Level 4 Level 5 Level 6

U-value Air Overall U-value Air Overall U-value Air OverallW/m2.K Tightness Thickness W/m2.K Tightness Thickness W/m2.K Tightness Thickness

m3/hr/m2 mm m3/hr/m2 mm m3/hr/m2 mm@ 50 Pascals @ 50 Pascals @ 50 Pascals

0.14 1.00 261 0.14 1.00 261 0.11 1.00 321

0.14 1.00 251 0.14 1.00 251 0.11 1.00 281

1.20 1.00 N/A 0.80 1.00 N/A 0.80 1.00 N/A

0.20 1.00 - 0.16 1.00 - 0.11 1.00 -

CreditsClient: Design Team:

Project & Cost Management

Supported by Partners Alliance:

AllgoodArchitectural CeramicsArnold Laver Timber WorldAstinsBASFCCM ConsultingDasoupleEcoplayEnvac UK Ltd

FinnforestFozz LightingKingspan FabrikKlargester EnvironmentalKnaufMieleMitsubishi ElectricMK ElectricNatural Elements

NorDanRange Cylinders LtdRussell Door TechnologyScrew Fast FoundationsSchneider ElectricSolar Thermal LtdSuntech-MSK EuropeThermomaxVincent TimberWilliam Ball Kitchens

Management Contractor:

Timber Systems - T: +44 (0) 1908 266200Steel Systems - T: +44 (0) 1944 712000

kingspanoffsite.com

T: +44 (0) 208 275 0000chorusgroup.co.uk

T: +44 (0) 207 504 1700 sheppardrobson.com

T: +44 (0) 207 636 1531 arup.com

T: +44 (0) 207 061 7000 davislangdon.com

T: +44 (0) 207 960 2540 macfarlanewilder.com

T: +44 (0) 117 945 3260ccbevolution.com