Matt Morton

So we are just starting first fix on our new build. Construction is solar blocks with cavity (and 130mm PIR in cavity). external is a mix of wood cladding and flint blocks. We are trying to achieve good airtightness levels (1-2?) (and we were I think pretty diligent in sealing the PIR at all joins with aluminium tape and foam where needed) - though not aiming for passive house- for MVHR system to be effective (and to make the most of the triple glazed window investment!). My main questions are: 1. do we need to parge coat the inside of the external blockwork walls 2. Is there a recommended preference between batten and plasterboard or dot and dab (do either route make airtightness easier to achieve) 3. Is it better to wet skim the plasterboard on the external walls rather than just taping and filling joints - from an airtightness perspective. Understand this is a somewhat well trod discussion path , but be interested in latest (and simplest ) thinking.

Just as an update the council accepted using Pilkington 70/35 Suncool glass as it also reduces light transmission out of the building by 30% as well. We were having to use this as part of our overheating mitigation strategy, so turned out to be one of the less frustrating conditions to satisfy.

thanks for that

Hi Everyone As part of our planning permission for our new build in an AOAB we need to provide details of a glass coating on all our windows to mitigate light spillage to protect the environment from light pollution. This is the exact wording - which is pretty vague and we have no idea what levels we are needing to achieve. Does anyone have any experience of having to implement a similar mitigation strategy and what product they used and what Visible Light Transmission reduction was deemed appropriate? Prior to the construction of the development hereby approved above slab level, details of the specification of glass coating to be applied to the external glazing of openings on all elevations, shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority, and thereafter the glazing shall be implemented and retained in perpetuity in accordance with the approved details. Reason: To minimise visible light transmittance and prevent illumination and light spill for the protection of the appearance of the area, the environment and wildlife, and local residents from light pollution. Many thanks for any thoughts Matt

Hi - first post. We're in the middle of a new build. The existing mains water supply only seems to have 2 bar of pressure. Looks to be a 25mm supply. Its a 5 bed new build with 4 bathrooms and we're having ASHP with UFH on ground and first floor. We are told we need a minimum 3 bars by the ASHP installer, and so are looking at either a pumped solution or potentially upgrading the supply to 32mm. I also want to make sure the showers on the 1st floor have sufficient pressure. We haven't got a plumber attached yet as doing much of this myself bringing in specialists when absolutely necessary to keep the budget in check. On the latter I'm not sure if this would improve pressure or just flow rate, or a bit of both? Obviously a sizeable expense though. Wondered if anyone would recommend a particular system, and would this sit inline from the incoming mains and then everything comes after the pump/reservoir? many thanks Matt