Catalina Architecture have had Code for Sustainable Homes Design Certification for a new timber frame dwelling to be built overlooking Cardigan Bay.  Originally, the stone end of terrace house was to undergo extensive refurbishment to eliminate damp and the affects of a collapsing rear wall.  It quickly became apparent that a new home on the site would be more appropriate.

The new house would have to achieve Code for Sustainable Homes level 3, with a minimum of 8% improvement over Building Regulations for the reduction of CO2.  The new timber frame building will be highly insulated and constructed to minimise any thermal bridging.  Heating and hot water will be provided by solar water heating and a wood burner with back boiler, which delivers a fantastic 72% improvement over Building Regulations!

An ecological assessment was carried out and now the owner will be developing a small wildlife pond to improve the biodiversity on the site, at the same time as helping to mitigate against surface water run-off.

All materials will be responsibly and sustainably sourced.  Water consumption will be limited to a maximum of 90 litres per person per day, with low flush toilets, low flow showers and taps and smaller baths.

Reegen carried out the pre-assessment and the Design Stage assessment for Catalina Architecture.  We hope that the actual "as built" performance of the building will ensure that the house achieves Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4 certification.