Ecohome tour

Conservatory

This is the heart of the Ecohome’s energy system. The conservatory helps heat the building in winter; in summer the pond helps to keep the house cool.

Warm air, heated by the sun, is circulated from the conservatory around the house through automatic vents in the windows. In the summer, air flowing over the pond picks up moisture, which cools the air.

• The conservatory is double-glazed using two types of glass: one that reduces heat build-up in summer, and one that keeps in heat by reflecting radiation back into the house.
• The floor tiles were reclaimed by a local salvage company.

Kitchen/dining area

The kitchen / dining area is designed in an L shape, with large windows, to catch the maximum amount of heat and light as the sun moves.

• The walls are designed to keep the temperature constant. The ground floor walls are built using ‘Thermalite’ breeze blocks made from pulverised fuel ash from power stations.
• The flooring, furniture and work surfaces are made from natural, renewable materials.

Bedroom

The bedroom faces east, to catch the morning light.

The thick block walls help to keep the temperature constant while the small window helps prevent loss of heat.

• The radiator can be set to the desired temperature using the thermostatic valve.
• The flooring and soft furnishings are made from natural and recycled materials.
• The walls are decorated with mineral paint, which is less polluting to produce than standard emulsion and oil based paints.

Bathroom

Large amounts of energy and chemicals are used to purify our water – much of which disappears down the toilet or plughole.

The Ecohome bathroom includes a number of water saving features, as well as some energy saving ideas.

• The shallow bath saves water and heating. The shower provides an even more eco-friendly way to wash.
• The toilet has a variable flush and the washbasin taps are fitted with flow restrictors.
• The shelving and bath surround are made from recycled yoghurt pots and plastic bottles.

Living room

The living room has generous windows to make the most of the sun’s heat.

The super-insulated walls keep the upper part of the house cool in summer and warm in winter.

• The walls on the upper floor are constructed from wood fibre board and filled with newspaper pulp insulation.
• The Ecohome has an ‘intelligent’ heating system, using a gas-fuelled combination condensing boiler. Water is pre-heated by solar panels on the roof.
• The upper floor is heated using an underfloor system - the concrete floor retains heat and radiates it into the room.

Sundeck

The sundeck faces south for warmth and light. The roof and solar hot water panels can be seen from here.

The floor of the sundeck is sloped so that rainwater runs off through the drain to the pond in the conservatory.

• The roof is covered with re-used slates obtained from local buildings.
• The solar tubes pre-heat the water entering the heating system - even in winter they raise the water temperature by at least 5°C.

Resource room

Here you can find information on many topics related to eco-building and sustainable living.

There are many files containing information on a range of topics. These are divided into three categories:

• Eco-building
• Eco-living
• Background reference

You can also browse our wide range of books and magazines, and access the internet.

Samples of flooring and eco-building materials are available to handle.

Garden

The Ecohome garden is planted and maintained by volunteers. We follow organic principles and so don't use artificial pesticides or fertilisers. Home-made compost helps us grow a wide variety of vegetables, fruit and flowers. Features of the garden include:

• Native plants, especially those bearing berries and seeds, and a small pond help to attract birds and other wildlife.
• The toolshed features a ‘living’ roof, planted with sedum (a type of succulent).
• Soft fruits, herbs, green beans and artichokes are just some of the garden produce that flourishes on our small plot.