Eco Extensions

What is an eco-extension?
While some will argue that the only truly ecologically-sound extension is the one which is never built, this tends to be because of the energy expended in the building process itself. In reality there are many ways in which a well-designed and planned extension to your property can be eco-friendly and the energy savings will, over time, more than compensate for the energy used in the build.
Any extension, whether dormer/attic conversion, conservatory or other addition, can provide an opportunity to make significant energy savings in your home.
Firstly, studies have shown that up to 50% of a home's heat loss is through the walls and roof, 30% through windows. An extension provides you with the ideal opportunity to minimise these losses. An attic conversion gives you the perfect time to address heat loss through your roof by ensuring all construction is fully insulated; a ground level extension should also be fully insulated and - as this can often enclose external walls which have no or little insulation - heat retention is increased immediately. An area of heat loss often overlooked is that through your external doors. Creating porches/enclosing your external doors reduces heat loss from these appreciably. Beyond the actual build itself, the layout of your extension can also affect your heat loss, so positioning of any radiators on interior walls minimises the heat loss through walls and a new build is an ideal time to install energy efficient lighting systems or even underfloor heating which uses less energy than traditional radiators.
Of course once you have addressed the issue of heat loss, there are several ways in which your extension can itself generate heat and so further cut your energy consumption. Passive solar design – maximising the impact of the sun on your property – should be incorporated into your designs where possible: placement of windows to let in the most sunshine can increase both the warmth of your home (and so cut heating costs) and the amount of natural light (cutting the amount of artificial lighting needed).
Contact us today for information on adding an eco extension to your house.