Caversham Passivhaus

for drainage, planning a backed fill trench with LECA. Realistically I would expect much worse than 0.12W/mK below ground, around 0.20+. Considering tanking but not sure of that solution at the moment.

It was the initial SE recommendation, after questioning the SE stated we can reduce.

Also doing a single storey, SE recommended 7.9N/mm2 "a standard strength" - but as we are looking at a single storey section of wall we can reduce, looking at Part A: Structure pg. 24, 2.9N/mm2 blocks are allowed with the best thermal u-values.

Does anyone know a supplier of thin joint mortar for use with aircrete blocks (thin joint system)? So far I have determined: Thomas Armstrong, Airtec Aerated Concrete Blocks are best for thermal conductivity but don't have a supply of the thin joint mortar. Celcon can provide the mortar if you use their blocks. There is the product in Poland, and I am investigating this option. I only need one 25kg bag for now. Does anyone have any stock?

The current work is a restoration to a bath stone bay window. The existing bay window is a UPVC frame with flat roof replacing many years ago the original stonework which was demolished. We are excavating around the existing solid brick base to the corbel foundations and along the way picking out the old stonework which was demolished. The plan is to build aircrete blocks off the existing foundations, using 2.9N/mm2 blocks that have a thermal conductivity of between 0.09 to 0.12W/mK. I am keen on using thin joint mortar as this slightly helps with U-values, but there appears to be a shortage, for example Mannok have an aircrete thin joint system but don't supply the thin joint mortar. Celcon have the block and mortar if you use their blocks. Investigating getting a source from Poland!

thanks. I will take a good look!

Hi, It's towards the end of design, close to completing a PHPP assessment that confirms EnerPHit is possible, some enabling works are underway and a restoration of a bay window is now starting. No builder at the moment. I am quite hands on but with no construction background but enjoying the project.

We've taken on the challenge of transforming a charming yet crumbling Victorian terrace house in Caversham into an energy-efficient gem. Our goal is to reach the EnerPHit standard with a Passivhaus retrofit. The house's unmodernised condition offers us the perfect chance to not only perform a comprehensive retrofit, but also rework the layout and expand the property.