MrP

I would definately recommend mastic asphalt, virtually bombproof, will last forevever and allows seamless detailing around corners, outlets etc. Couple of points though - from what i can see there is no cavity tray in the external walls built adjacent the doorway, you will undo all the hardwork and £k's spent on waterproofing if water gets in to the cavity and gets behind. Secondly whats the plan at the doorway - i.e. are you introducing an upstand - IIRC NHBC standards which most warranty providers work to require min 75mm upstand at doorways. Thirdly how are you getting rid of water - i.e. falls in roof and outlet positions? Also temp is absolutely right about the balustrading. This needs a lot of thought before anything is done but i think you are right that is for another thread...

I would check to see the manufacturers standard details depending on who is supplying your ICF. Most manufacturers have a full set of pre-designed details for most situations. For example see attached detail which i think details what you are trying to understand. PWD014.pdf

Forgive if this a stupid question, others may have more experience but if you are going to be forced to spend 12k on a connection, have you considered what type of solar PV/battery store setup you could get for the same money and go off grid? free leccy for life!

Hi all, Saw this used for the first time on site today and very impressed. It appears to have addressed some of the thermal bridge detailing commonly associated with beam and block floors and looking through the tech specs it offers some pretty impressive thermal performance along with the practicality of trad foundations and beam and block construction. Also dead quick to install, as the panels come straight off the back of the wagon with a hiab and then it only needs grouting up - i reckon you would have a reasonable sized house done and grouted in half a day. http://www.creaghconcrete.co.uk/spantherm/ho-it-works.html?p=277 Not sure on prices etc. - will be interesting to see if they are competitive.

You can get away with a ramp not exceeding 1:15 as long as it is less than 5m long and you have a 1200mm x 900mm flat platform in front of the door. However if a ramp is not practical due to the level differences or geography of the site then a max 150mm step in to the property at the door is also an reasonable and acceptable solution. The building regs is a guidance document only and the part m list a heirarchy of preferred options with a level approach at the top, then ramp then step, then flight of steps. However as long as the approach meets one of the solutions in the before mentioned NHBC document then it still complies - your BCO can advise and give their preference but can not insist on one solution over another.

Cheers guys, be gentle with me

As a BCO i would, and have accepted this several times as an acceptable MOE from a bedroom so long as the window is of sufficient size, not more than 1100mm from floor, access is not obstructed by anything permanent in the room and the window supports itself when opened. However, this is a common sense interpretation of the regs and i could not guarantee that another BCO would be of the same opinion, you would definately have to check it out with your inspector first.