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Hi Folks! Having used BuildHub as a learning resource for a little while, I've pulled my finger out and got a sign-in. After a year of getting our ducks in line, we are about to apply for planning for a home on our smallholding in Somerset. It may be on the optimistic side, but we are aiming for an off-grid build, to passive house standards (intending to get certified), primarily from sustainable materials. The design is very close to complete now, and the next stage for us is to put our plans in front of a design review panel. Part of the reason for this, is that our planning application will be made under paragraph 80e (previously paragraph 79, before that paragraph 55). (A national planning policy, first established in 1997, which sets out various circumstances which can enable the erection of new isolated dwellings in the open countryside.) I understand that getting a good report from the design panel is a significant step towards success with this planning route. The fundamental plan is to try and build: A 4 bed detached home Concrete-free foundations Using load-bearing straw bale construction technique To achieve an overall carbon negative construction Off-grid A large PV array Several large lithium batteries for storage Bore hole for water WETs system to process grey/black water Achieving passive house certification We still have a lot to figure out, but I'm learning more every day. Thanks for everyone on here for contributing to BuildHub as an information resource.

Hi - I am a first time self-builder - now the owner of a small garden plot in an edge of village location. We have detailed planning permission for a 3 bed house, designed on "Passivhaus principles". Aiming to start on site early next year (2020)

Hi, My name is Ted Nicholls, I'm a third year undergraduate studying Building Surveying at the University of Westminster. Please find attached a link to my dissertation questionnaire- 'An assessment of self-build homes in the UK in the context of the EU’s directive for nearly zero energy buildings (nZEB) plan for 2020. Through various questionnaires and interviews I hope to promote it as a feasible way to achieve nearly zero energy buildings' It would be really appreciated if anyone could take part in it and also forward the survey onto any individuals or companies with self-build knowledge to help further my research. Thanks in advance and best regards, Ted Nicholls https://goo.gl/forms/iBffpVYYSUjPsHu82