BartW

So, when I specify 5700mm span between the Utility and the extension wall, that is just under 5700mm. 254mm high achieves just under 12mm @ 400mm centres. Equally, a 304mm gets it down to 8mm deflection. I agree that perhaps introducing a bean midspan could take away some of the loading. As for cost, I suppose handling a 3m joist is more of a two people job than handling 6metres. Obviously the contrary goes for the steel beams depending on their size x weight. Handy calculator can be seen here: https://www.mitek.co.uk/span-calculator/

Hi, I am specifying the intermediate floor pozi joists for our build, and read on Mitek's website the max permissible deflection is length / 250 = mm. Their product brochure seems to suggest various joists choices and sizes with varied spacing and deflection. Is there a practical maximum below the manufacturer's guidelines that the SE is likely to accept? I am having a 6 metre unsupported span above the living room, and I am trying to foresee the route (and the joist heights) I might have to take. Also, is there a robust cantilever detail that one would be able to suggest for the front corner first floor bedroom and "porch" overhangs? The house will be built out of Durisol ICF. I am trying to predict and resolve any structural engineering issues to ensure I will not have to later change my planning due to prohibitive cost, or complexity of one solution over another.

Hey, Whilst on the software front of things, I could recommend Live Home 3D Pro for MacOs users. I think the license is a one-off 20 dollars here https://www.livehome3d.com/win/live-home-3d-pro I have used it in the past when doing a flat refurb, and have now nearly designed our house in full. I would do with some handy to use M&E editor to include AV, UFH, MVHR, etc. Any Ideas anyone?

Yes, the tall angle of the roof would easily make the rain into a waterfall. There was another detail there that seemed to show a 30deg pitch, and less aggressive rain setting (or at least it's how I saw it). Not sure about certification, and quite frankly, I was probably being too ignorant to consider it being a total must... Another alternative is to build a boxed eaves gutter, GRP it, bring the facade in front of it, and finish off with GRP / aluminium capping. A bit like here:

Hi, I am planning all detailed aspects of our future building, and there are some gutter details I need to design. Obviously, one would want them as sleek as they get. We would like to conceal them efficiently where possible. Could you guys have a look and comment if the below might work: Side facade at junction of 30deg pitch slate tile roof with vertical rain screen facade in matching slate tile. Both Cupa Pizzaras R. https://galeco.pl/en/products/galeco-hidden-gutter-system/technical-information The fact that we will have the facade tiles, this would allow us to conceal up to 40mm in depth (batten on batten). The rest would need to be notched in Durisol. But what about the detail between the gutter itself and the top row of the tiles? Next one up would be the flat roof terrace. I would like to avoid having traditional hoppers (or modern ones in fact too), but I seem stuck for the exit points. Would concealed GRP linear gutter detail along the RHS elevation terminating to a (concealed again) downpipe exit point and being taken away into the downpipe hidden behind the side elevation (timber facade) be a good idea here? Thanks Bart

The noise element (I hope) should not be an issue with our build, as I am hoping to cleverly install it in the loft storage area. I know it is a piece of equipment that in theory should rarely have to be seen to, but I do like the sleek looks of the Zehnder unit On the filtration front, I agree I would prefer to have the better quality there. I do like the tech, and supposedly would appreciate the smart app controls, and the ability to cool and heat if needed (probably at least cool, as the whole house will be UFH, anyway.

Yes, I am guessing you are comparing epicair prices. i basically looked at Zendher Q350 vs the said ventaxia. Both seem decent, but the question still remains. i could specify a (perfectly fine) ventaxia and ducting for around £2500 ex vat from BPC, or spend twice that on the (finer?) Z. I also read another post in this section by someone else earlier today where power consumption, losses, and savings were being stipulated and compared, and one could conclude that the maths could well be out of the window, the moment you open it! So, from the benefits perspective is it similar to ASHP? You will have broken even in 10yrs time, at which point you start saving, ultimately meaning that it’s whatever makes you feel better and more comfortable about what you believe?

Hi, I am still reviewing MVHR options, and can't help but notice that likes of the Zehnder unit work out twice as much as your run of the mill Vent Axia. In a nutshell, are they worth the 100% premium? Thanks Bart

Just to say thank you for pointing me in their direction. They have already responded, and are coming up with samples. They actually stock the products, so supply chain should not be a problem Thanks!

Many thanks!

They seem have a UK agent in London, but I take the point about ordering and lead times. I was hoping to get tad more creative than Cembrit Jutland, which one (on the other hand) can pick up any number, any day at a local BM.

Hi, We are currently looking into using their product for roof and rain screen cladding, but pricing seems to be a mystery at this stage. Does anyone know, or has used their product, can rate it and share some feedback of rough idea of cost? I like the idea of their V201 system that uses dedicated clips for fixings. The problem is, though, they are stainless steel, and remain largely visible as a series of silver dots. Whilst ok in isolation, across a 10m wide @ 7m high wall this would become quite an eye-sore to me... Can anyone help please? Regards Bart

Hi Tom, Thanks for your response. We are in West London, so Cirencester may be a bit of a trek for us at the moment, but maybe next time we venture out to Swindon Build Show, we could "detour" a bit on the way back, and have a look I would be very keen to find out why you indeed chose Isotex and not Durisol for example. But equally, why not Velox (we actually ruled it out now, although were pondering it for a very short while). Regards Bart

Lovely build so far! We are literally at the point of deciding between Durisol vs Isotex. Totally confused, and clueless on what's better. I suppose my main and the only concern is blowouts during pour. The rest I think I can manage whilst attempting to do many of the site activities bare handed. Also, were you given a quote for the raft foundation based on sq metres? or was it more of a fixed price cost judged upon the full design? I gathered that you are in or near Newbury. We will be building in Graven Hill (Bicester), so not very far away. Perhaps you could recommend "local" contractors that might be able to help wit the build? Regards Bart

Hi, Yes, I think there was one other person in Graven a while ago. I wonder how they got on and whether they have completed building by now

Hi guys, I am Bart and we have freshly reserved a plot at Graven Hill near Bicester. I run a building / refurbishment business, as well as a bespoke joinery workshop, so both of these might come in handy when it comes to the actual hard graft at some point, but for now I am reviewing different build options and similarly to many, I have been boggled with the ICF vs Timber Frame battle for a couple of weeks now... In the meantime, I have managed to optimise our concept design of the house, and will be ready for pre-planning within the next two weeks. We are still deciding on the combination of materials schemes for our home externally, but we are nearly there. Speak soon in other parts of this forum! Regards Bart

Hi everyone, This is my first post here (but not last, and surely one of the many to come). Has anyone used Nu-Aire MVHR units? Are they any good? I have held a trade account with them for years, whilst supplying continuous ventilation to our refurbishment projects, but now is the time I will be choosing an MVHR solution for our (soon to be) self-build project in Graven Hill. BPC is on the cards too. Thanks! Bart