Adam2

Thanks. Heating - I quite like the idea of a more traditional system (as opposed to pellet burners / ASHP) so gas boiler based but with PV excess being used for water heating + UFH on each floor. Most likely MVHR also.

Very happy with the design aesthetic so no issues there. The architect I think has only been involved in one previous ICF build some years ago and there were some issues re waterproofing and complexity in the basement aspect of the build - though they accept materials may have improved since then (or people have got better at it!). I have a few SEs that I am contacting with good experience in this area and a couple of builders with ICF experience so when I narrow it down will bring these 3 parties (architect, SE, builder) together to ensure we are all aligned. If not, maybe there are real, site specific, challenges. Or, we change the team.

Thanks, yes I think that is a good way to look at it - being part of the stepped foundation. Maybe an option is to build a new retaining wall (planning an ICF build) in front of this preferably on a passive slab - subject of course to all the usual agreements...

Hopes and plans..... well, planning approval for a 4 storey house on a hill in a residential area overlooking Poole harbour. Great views but challenging site. Expect we will live there for 5 years so carefully considering costs so we don't over invest. Will be a contemporary House with a lot of glazing, south facing so will be looking at options for benefitting from this re solar gain but not cooking in the summer - thinking brise solaie to block high level sun in summer and running the pump to move heat around. Will start a blog and carry on absorbing info from this forum! My architect hasn't had much ICF experience and is quite negative on this - will change his mind! Currently researching structure options, getting quotes for demolition etc and trying to get a handle on costs to set out our budget...ever increasing spreadsheet!

Thanks, yes it is approved as a new build so that part is ok. It's really a question of whether a retaining wall which forms part of the house at the moment is classed the same as say the slab or foundations or basement which as far as I can tell are ok. A retaining wall is below ground on one side but above on the other....

Thanks Will, could be good.

Thanks yes am in talks with them (well and others)

Hi all, I'm doing a re-build and need to ensure we fit the requirements for 0% VAT. I understand that we can retain foundations/slab - not that we will necessarily do this but if we go with a passive slab maybe we can place on top of existing slab - would reduce demolition costs by 3K but at the moment hard to know if this is desirable or feasible. But that is not the question, the existing house is built going down a hill and has 2 retaining walls at the moment. Ground (entrance) level is a living area + bedroom, upstairs more bedrooms then LG is living area and another LLG is a gym/study. The LLG and LG have a retaining wall at the step up to the floor above. It may be beneficial to keep these retaining walls as so far we cannot see any damp so they seem to be working OK. Our build is likely to be ICF + passive slab so maybe we just build against these retaining walls or just insulate them (TBC). The question really is whether on a sloping site they would be likely to count as "below ground" so OK to retain or not (from a 0% VAT perspective) - if anyone has direct experience or a reference source that would be good. Ultimately, when we understand the implications of different options we can probably check with HMRC on this if we do want to consider keeping them. Thanks Adam

Thanks, I'm building near Poole, lower Parkstone. Looked at the Durisol build, will have to make a list of pros/cons on that Vs alternatives. My site is a little complex as has 3 ground levels so a passive slab and retaining walls is a bit more of a challenge, will post in the relevant area to get ideas on that ?

Hi all, embarking on a demolition and (most likely) an ICF based new build. Pleased to have found this forum! Adam