Q&A on our self-build, as featured on Grand Designs 2024

[thefoxesmaltings]

As promised, a Q&A, to ask us anything about our Grand Designs project, which aired on TV two weeks ago.

 

Forums like Buildhub, have been an great resource for us to learn from others, and so if this is one way we can give back, then happy to.

 

Much of the 'technical' gets glossed over during the TV show, purely due to time constraints. So if there are specific questions about our building fabric, fire away.

 

Rather than dumping loads of photos here, there's plenty of the process on our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefoxesmaltings/

Disclaimer: We are first time self-builders, and I am by no means an expert, nor do I pretend to be one. There is still plenty of stuff I have no idea about, and plenty of you on here with way more knowledge than me!

 

Based on any answers, I would love to know what you would have done differently, or things we could have done better. Who knows, there might be a next project...

And of course, if you missed the episode, you can watch it on demand, on Channel4.com.

[twice round the block]

Just been through your Instagram posts, very informative and some great links.

Nice finishing and attention to detail  within the build.

Congratulations you've achieved a lovely home through the stress that goes hand in hand with self building.

[thefoxesmaltings]

One thing that might help, and I forgot to add into the original post is a breakdown of the house technicals. Off the top of my head...

• Block & Beam subfloor.
• Timber frame to 0.09 wall U-value. (220mm insulation to walls. 150mm to roof).
• Double glazing, with solar glass spec to large south facing units.
• Brick clad and slate roof.
• MVHR + Comfoclime Cooling and heating.
• Air Source Heat Pump
• 10kW PV System, 10kW Battery Store & EV Charger.
• UFH Upstairs & downstairs.
• Energy rating of A.
• Air Tightness of 2.22.

[garrymartin]

Amazing property. Recorded the programme whilst on holiday and watched it on our return. Well done.

 

Can I ask, is it wet underfloor heating throughout using the ASHP? If so, what is your first-floor build-up?

[zzPaulzz]

I was wondering about the performance numbers, thanks for sharing. Did you add more insulation over the insulation we saw set into the frame? We couldn’t find a TF company that could achieve 0.09 without extra layers of PIR. Triple glazing seems to be the next step for efficiency but I guess with your widows that would have been very expensive? 

[Iceverge]

3 hours ago, zzPaulzz said:

I was wondering about the performance numbers, thanks for sharing. Did you add more insulation over the insulation we saw set into the frame? We couldn’t find a TF company that could achieve 0.09 without extra layers of PIR. Triple glazing seems to be the next step for efficiency but I guess with your widows that would have been very expensive? 

 

In terms of energy saving I did the numbers a couple of years ago. 

 

The best bang for your buck beyond bregs basics are:

 

1. Airtighess 

2. MVHR

3. 3g Windows 

4. Roof insulation

5. Wall insulation

6. Floor insulation

 

In terms of better performance than basic on a TF you could stick frame it on site and build whatever you like.

Edited Wednesday at 18:16 by Iceverge

[ChrisInKent]

6 hours ago, thefoxesmaltings said:

 

• Air Source Heat Pump

Thanks for sharing the stats. Just wondered how many sqm is your house and what size ASHP you ended up with?