18 November, 2025 | AECB | BSBM meeting, Events, General
Next meeting this Wednesday 19 November from 6pm at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station). Pub food is available. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms. If it’s cold weather pack your coat as we will be keeping a window open. As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawings etc along for a friendly discussion. It’s a very informal setup, all welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone. Future meetings in December TBC, then Wed 21 Jan etc
16 November, 2025 | General, Projects, Shoreham beach 'Passivhaus'
[See below for photos and videos]
Shoreham Beach House is located on a shingle beach on the South Coast in Sussex and the rear of the site has the enviable orientation of facing due south and having a beach aspect with fantastic views along the coast in both directions. Architecturally the house faces south with the main living space on the top floor with a large terrace to make best use of the views, and with the first floor master and guest bedrooms with their own terrace.
About half the total energy used by a low energy building in it’s lifetime is the initial ‘upfront’ carbon used in construction, the ‘embodied carbon’, and so reuse of the existing building was considered, but was unfortunately not possible while achieving the design brief. The form of the building is roughly cuboid resulting in a good surface area to volume ratio (Form Factor) and thus lower heat loss than a more complicated shape. The site is at risk of flooding from the sea and so was raised 300mm and the ground floor and walls were constructed in waterproof concrete. However, the upper floors switch to steel frame, timber infill and cellulose (recycled newspaper) insulation to minimise the carbon footprint.
The main technical criteria was to provide a low energy, comfortable and healthy indoor environment year round and the Passivhaus methodology was used to ensure this was achieved. The building was modelled in the Passivhaus Planning Package (PHPP) which demonstrated a Heating Demand around 15 KWh/m2/yr (the target to meet Passivhaus). Large areas of sliding doors were a fundamental part of the design brief, and it was assessed early on that this would make achieving the Passivhaus airtightness criteria of 0.6 ACH near impossible, as was proved to be the case with a (still very respectable) air test result of 0.76 ACH. Interestingly, when the sliding doors were taped up as an experiment, a second air test achieved 0.48 ACH. The building meets the slightly less stringent criteria for a Low Energy Building (LEB) as defined by the Passivhaus Institute, but is not certified.
The need to manage overheating drove the overall aesthetics of the project, especially to the south, with southerly overhangs to all three floors being achieved through the balcony, terrace and second floor overhangs, which were continued around the building. High levels of insulation, sliding timber shutters to the south and west elevations, and cross ventilation designed in, all ensure excellent passive solar control and the PHPP modelling demonstrated minimal overheating.
See full details in the blog
7 November, 2025 | Events, General, Oakhill Passivhaus
A great opportunity to experience a certified Passivhaus on a guided tour with the owners, contact adele adeleohehir@btopenworld.com
26 October, 2025 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General
Next meeting Wednesday 19 November from 6pm at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station). Pub food is available. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms. If it’s cold weather pack your coat as we will be keeping a window open. As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawings etc along for a friendly discussion. It’s a very informal setup, all welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone. Future meetings in December TBC, then Wed 21 Jan etc
12 October, 2025 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General
Next meeting Wednesday 15 October from 6pm at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station). Pub food is available. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms. If it’s cold weather pack your coat as we will be keeping a window open. As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawings etc along for a friendly discussion. It’s a very informal setup, all welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone. Future meetings Wed 19 Nov etc
25 August, 2025 | General, Shoreham beach 'Passivhaus'
Some quick snaps of Shoreham Beach, built to Passivhaus Low Energy Building Standards.
22 May, 2025 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General
Next meeting Wednesday 18 June from 6pm at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station). Pub food is available. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms. If it’s cold weather pack your coat as we will be keeping a window open. As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawings etc along for a friendly discussion. It’s a very informal setup, all welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone. Future meetings Wed 16 July etc
21 May, 2025 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General
Meeting tonight, Wednesday 21 May from 6pm at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station). Pub food is available. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms. If it’s cold weather pack your coat as we will be keeping a window open. As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawings etc along for a friendly discussion. It’s a very informal setup, all welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone. Future meetings Wed 18 June etc
14 April, 2025 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General
Next meeting this Wednesday 16 April from 6pm at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station). Pub food is available. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms. If it’s cold weather pack your coat as we will be keeping a window open. As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawings etc along for a friendly discussion. It’s a very informal setup, all welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone. Future meetings Wed 21 May etc
18 March, 2025 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General
Next meeting tomorrow, Wednesday 19 March from 6pm at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station). Pub food is available. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms. If it’s cold weather pack your coat as we will be keeping a window open. As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawings etc along for a friendly discussion. It’s a very informal setup, all welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone. Future meetings Wed 16 April etc
25 February, 2025 | General, MVHR, MVHR maintenance, Ventilation
At last a great guide to maintaining your MVHR from the excellent Passivhaus Trust
17 February, 2025 | For Sale | surplus, General
160m MVHR ducting fittings – free to collect @ BN1 3HE contact Robin at rbines@mac.com. Some fitted but removed so some screw holes which can be taped over. 1 – Outlet, 5 – 90 degree bend (2 trimmed), 4 – 45 degree bend, 4 – straight connectors, 1 – 160x160x160 Tee (trimmed), 1 – 160x160x125 Tee, 1 – 160x160x100 Tee, 2 – 200 –> 125 reducer, 1 – 160 –> 125 reducer, 5 – metal clips with wall anchors, 4m flexible ducting
17 February, 2025 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General
Next meeting is this Wednesday 19 February from 6pm at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station). Pub food is available. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms. If it’s cold weather pack your coat as we will be keeping a window open. As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawings etc along for a friendly discussion. It’s a very informal setup, all welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone. Future meetings Wed 19 March etc
13 January, 2025 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General
Next meeting this Wednesday 15 January from 6pm at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station). Pub food is available. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms. If it’s cold weather pack your coat as we will be keeping a window open. As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawings etc along for a friendly discussion. It’s a very informal setup, all welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone. Future meetings Wed 19 Feb, Wed 19 March etc
5 December, 2024 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General
Last call for anyone who wants to join us for the Christmas meeting, Wednesday 18 December from 6pm (food at 7pm) at the Lord Nelson. We need to let the pub know numbers.
11 November, 2024 | Events, General
The UK’s top sustainable building supplier EBS will be hosting a training session 10 – 2pm Wed 27 Nov 2024 on site in Seaford. Programme to include building physics, examples of products and systems, airtightness theory and practice, followed by airtightness hands on training using different tapes and Aerosana Visconn liquid applied membrane. Please let me know if you are intetested jim@jimmillerdesign.co.uk. Places are limited.
17 October, 2024 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General
Next meeting Wednesday 20 November from 6pm at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station). Pub food is available. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms. If it’s cold weather pack your coat as we will be keeping a window open. As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawings etc along for a friendly discussion. It’s a very informal setup, all welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone. Future meetings Wed 18 Dec etc
16 October, 2024 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General
Meeting tonight Wednesday 16th October from 6pm at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station). Pub food is available. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms. If it’s cold weather pack your coat as we will be keeping a window open. As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawings etc along for a friendly discussion. It’s a very informal setup, all welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone. Future meetings Wed 20 Nov & Wed 18 Dec etc
18 September, 2024 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General
Meeting tonight Wednesday 18th September from 6pm at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station). Pub food is available. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms. If it’s cold weather pack your coat as we will be keeping a window open. As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawings etc along for a friendly discussion. It’s a very informal setup, all welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone. Future meetings Wed Oct 16, Wed Nov 20 etc
4 September, 2024 | Events, General
30 August, 2024 | Events, General
Eco Open Houses looks like some interesting projects, but when was double glazing merit worthy!?!
21 August, 2024 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General
Meeting tonight (Wednesday 21st) from 6pm at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station) on the ‘Upper Deck’. Pub food is available. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms. If it’s cold weather pack your coat as we will be keeping a window open. As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawings etc along for a friendly discussion. It’s a very informal setup, all welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone. Future meetings Wed Sept 18, Oct 16, Wed Nov 20 etc.
30 July, 2024 | Events, General, Shoreham beach 'Passivhaus'
Last chance to book a place on the second (and final) opportunity to view a fantastic Passivhaus Low Energy Building, this time nearing competition, during a tour this Saturday 3rd August at 10am.
Lots of interesting topics for discussion such as the planning process, flood risk, contaminated land, Foamglas insulated raft foundations, brick slips, twin stud wall system, liquid airtightness, triple glazed frameless sliding doors, twin MVHR ventilation with active cooling, passive solar control and much more!
Numbers are limited and places must be reserved through Jim at jim@jimmillerdesign.co.uk. Tour likely to be 1.5 hours including questions. Review the storey so far.
22 July, 2024 | General, Materials
Kind Supply are looking for investors who share their ethos to join the team and push forward the movement towards a more sustainable construction industry. Please contact Andrew on 07704 123343.
22 July, 2024 | Events, General, Shoreham beach 'Passivhaus'
Just a remimder about the second (and final) opportunity to view a fantastic Passivhaus Low Energy Building, this time nearing competition, during a tour on Saturday 3rd August at 10am.
Lots of interesting topics for discussion such as the planning process, flood risk, contaminated land, Foamglas insulated raft foundations, brick slips, twin stud wall system, liquid airtightness, triple glazed frameless sliding doors, twin MVHR ventilation with active cooling, passive solar control and much more!
Numbers are limited and places must be reserved through Jim at jim@jimmillerdesign.co.uk. Tour likely to be 1.5 hours including questions. Review the storey so far.
18 July, 2024 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General
Interesting discussion last night about whether the market was ready to pay the full premium for deep retrofit. We usualy skip August, so next meeting Wed 18 September from 6pm at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station) on the ‘Upper Deck’. Pub food is available. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms. If it’s cold weather pack your coat as we will be keeping a window open. As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawings etc along for a friendly discussion. It’s a very informal setup, all welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone. Future meetings Wed October 16, Wed Nov 20 etc.
17 July, 2024 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General
Meeting TONIGHT Wed 17 July from 6pm at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station) on the ‘Upper Deck’. Pub food is available. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms. If it’s cold weather pack your coat as we will be keeping a window open. As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawings etc along for a friendly discussion. It’s a very informal setup, all welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone. Next meeting Wed 18 Sept (we usually don’t meet in August), Wed October 16, Wed Nov 20 etc.
12 July, 2024 | General, Shoreham beach 'Passivhaus'
The privacy screens (to the east and west) to the first floor balcony and second floor terrace have been installed (as required by Planning) with reeded glass which obscures the view but minimises the visual impact. The balustrades to the south are clear glass.
21 June, 2024 | General, Shoreham beach 'Passivhaus'
The intermediate air test result came in at 0.77 ACH
The building has huge quantities of sliding doors which are inherently leaky, so it was always going to be a challenge to make the opaque building fabric so good it offset this.
The Keller Minimal 4+ system is triple glazed and so more rigid than the double glazed units but still relies on simple brush seals for airtightness and was always going to be the weak point on the building (see image of smoke test)
A second air test was undertaken with the sliding doors taped which suggested the doors might account for perhaps 0.5 ACH and so excluding the sliding doors, the airtightness for the rest of the building might be around 0.3 ACH. In order to meet the Passivhaus criteria of 0.6 ACH, the rest of the building would have had to achieve an airtightness of 0.1 ACH to fully offset the sliding doors, and this was beyond the brief set by the clients and perhaps beyond what is achievable with a steel frame and with a pragmatic budget.
This is an impressive result and testament to the efforts of the whole team, and a sub 1 ACH result means the building meets the airtightness criteria for a Passivhaus Low Energy Building.
12 June, 2024 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General
Meeting tonight (a week earlier than usual), arrive from 6pm at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station) on the ‘Upper Deck’. Note we may be using a diferent table. Pub food is available. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms. If it’s cold weather pack your coat as we will be keeping a window open. As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawings etc along for a friendly discussion. It’s a very informal setup, all welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone. Next meeting 17 July then 18 Sept (we usually don’t meet in August).
20 May, 2024 | General, Materials
Kind Supply in Lewes are a local builders merchants specialising in natural materials and running lots of events – very welcome indeed!
15 May, 2024 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General
Meeting tonight, Wednesday 15 May March, arrive from 6pm at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station) on the ‘Upper Deck’. Pub food is available. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms. If it’s cold weather pack your coat as we will be keeping a window open! As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawing etc along for a friendly discussion. It’s a very informal setup, all welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone! Looks like the June meeting has been taken over by football, so next meetings are 17 July, 18 Sept etc (August usually not held).
13 May, 2024 | For Sale | surplus, General
A few metres of 100mm and 160mm diameter Lindab Safe duct (2.4m lengths) and some bends. Contact Will on 07944 325 028 to arrange collection.
10 May, 2024 | General, Shoreham beach 'Passivhaus'
Plasterboard is being installed, with resilient bars (and insulation) to the ceilings and double layers of plasterboard to some walls to reduce noise. See video for beach scene.
7 May, 2024 | Events, General
4 April, 2024 | General, Shoreham beach 'Passivhaus'
The upper timber walls are injected with Warmcel (recycled newspaper) insulation which is highly vapour open (‘breathable’) thereby safeguarding the building should moisture make it past the air and vapour layer. Core holes are drilled in the board, the insulation injected, and then the plug reinserted and taped over. Note the test hole where the insulation thickness of 340mm and the associated density has been noted – critical to ensure the insulation doesn’t slump. Pumping the insulation completely fills awkward spaces saving labour costs, and being newspaper, sequesters carbon – a great solution, but unfortunately rarely used.
3 April, 2024 | General, Shoreham beach 'Passivhaus'
The twin stud timber external walls to the upper floors are clad internally with an air and vapour tight board and taped to stop air movement, reducing heat loss and safeguarding the building fabric from moisture damage. Where floor joists run parallel to walls, the boards are taken through the floor void to simplify airtightness detailing (as shown).
18 March, 2024 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General
Next meeting this Wednesday 20 March, arrive from 6pm at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station) on the ‘Upper Deck’ to allow better social distancing. Pub food is available. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms. If it’s cold weather pack your coat as we will be keeping a window open! As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawing etc along for an informal discussion. It’s a very informal setup, all welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone! Future meetings are wed 17 April, 15 May & 19 June.
4 March, 2024 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General, Shoreham beach 'Passivhaus'
Great turnout despite the weather for Saturday’s tour, lovely bunch of people and hopefully managed to spread the low energy | high performance | Passivhaus message.
22 February, 2024 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General
Last night we had Santi from Rothoblaas visiting. Next meeting Wednesday 20 March, arrive from 6pm at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station) on the ‘Upper Deck’ to allow better social distancing. Pub food is available. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms. If it’s cold weather pack your coat as we will be keeping a window open! As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawing etc along for an informal discussion. It’s a very informal setup, all welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone! Future meetings are wed 17 April, 15 May & 19 June.
8 February, 2024 | General, Shoreham beach 'Passivhaus', Uncategorised
7 February, 2024 | General, Shoreham beach 'Passivhaus'
The IQ sliding doors to the south elevation have now been installed. These are ‘frameless’ i.e. the frame to the head and sill is hidden within the structure and the vertical frame (where the panels meet) is a little as 26mm wide – to maximise the view and connection with the outside. A completely level threshold is both visually appealing but also provides easy access for all occupants.
The sliders to the top floor wrap around the east and west for fantastic views along the coast to Worthing and the Seven Sisters, and the 2 sets of 3 panels create a huge opening on to the terrace.
The doors are triple glazed to limit heat loss and ensure thermal comfort (even in the depths of winter) and which allow the internal room temperature to be 1 – 2 degrees lower, further saving energy.
The significant overhangs will stop much of the sun hitting the glass in the warmer months, but the sliders have solar control glass to further limit overheating. The doors can also be locked slightly open, between 10 – 100mm to allow ‘secure’ ventilation day and night to further mitigate against overheating. The first floor doors onto the main bedrooms will have sliding timber shutters which can be deployed to completely stop any sun hitting the doors and ensure a good nights sleep!
22 January, 2024 | General, Shoreham beach 'Passivhaus'
To limit solar gain in the summer at the back of the property (which faces the sea and is due south), all floors have significant overhangs. This (final) phase of the steel provides a 1.8m canopy to the second floor terrace.
18 January, 2024 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General
Interesting conversation last nigth about making retrofit profitable. Next meeting Wednesday 21 February, arrive from 6pm at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station) on the ‘Upper Deck’ to allow better social distancing. Pub food is available. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms. If it’s cold weather pack your coat as we will be keeping a window open! As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawing etc along for an informal discussion. It’s a very informal setup, all welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone! Future meetings are wed 20 Mar, 17 April, 15 May & 19 June.
17 January, 2024 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General
Meeting tonight, arrive from 6pm at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station) on the ‘Upper Deck’ to allow better social distancing. Pub food is available. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms. If it’s cold weather pack your coat as we will be keeping a window open! As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawing etc along for an informal discussion. It’s a very informal setup, all welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone! Future meetings are wed 21 Feb & 20 Mar.
8 January, 2024 | General, Shoreham beach 'Passivhaus'
The second floor main roof is now in place, framing the amazing sea views from the wrap around glazing to open plan top floor.
22 December, 2023 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General
Busy meeting on Wednesday with around 14 people for the Xmas meal. Steve’s presentation on his 3D printed Passivhaus was exciting and well received. Next meeting Wednesday 17 January, as usual arrive from 6pm at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station) on the ‘Upper Deck’ to allow better social distancing. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms. If it’s cold weather pack your coat as we will be keeping a window open! As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawing etc along for an informal discussion. It’s a very informal setup, all welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone! Future meetings are 21 Feb & 20 Mar
7 December, 2023 | General, Shoreham beach 'Passivhaus'
The second floor (phase 5) steel is now installed giving the form of the final building with amazing views from the open plan living space and from the terrace.
1 December, 2023 | General, Shoreham beach 'Passivhaus'
Canopy along the west boundary at first floor over level showing (red) ‘internal’ steel and (silver) ‘external’ galvanised steel with (grey) thermal breaks and timber trimmers. Note the cant to the underside of the canopy (soffit) to minimise the visual impact and pre-drilled holes to receive the facia.
Fibreglass to the flat roofs (awaiting coloured top coat) is continuous across the flat roof, over the kerb, and up against the external walls to safeguard against the driving wind and rain regularly experienced on this exposed coastal location. The external walls are clad in a breathable (i.e. vapour open) Elka Strong Board (cream coloured) and Magply MOS board (not shown) where fire resistance is required (along the boundaries).
The full extent of the view is now possible from the second floor with Worthing to the east, the chalk cliffs to the west and the South Downs to the north. The (silver) Alutrix 600 vapour control layer to the flat roof sections seals at laps and joints and around any penetrations to ensure an air and moisture tight barrier. The (white) SIGA Wetguard protects the floor structure from the elements during construction.
29 November, 2023 | AECB | BSBM meeting, Events, General
Next month is the Christmas meeting, Wednesday 20 December. Steve will be presenting his 3D printed Passivhaus concept! Please let me know if you’re attending and if you require the Christmas menu or the usual pub menu, by 5 Dec at the latest, thanks. As usual, arrive from 6pm at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station) on the ‘Upper Deck’ to allow better social distancing. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms. If it’s cold weather pack your coat as we will be keeping a window open! As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawing etc along for an informal discussion. It’s a very informal setup, all welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone! Future meetings are 17 Jan, 21 Feb & 20 Mar
24 November, 2023 | General, Shoreham beach 'Passivhaus'
Airtightness is critical to reducing heat loss and also preventing air migrating through the building fabric potentially leading to moisture damage. Steel frame was the only option to the upper floors to enable the large openings, but steel makes airtightness difficult. Pro Clima Aerosana is a liquid airtightness which can be brush applied and is much quicker and simpler than using tapes (and also easily allows the steel itself to be made part of the airtightness layer) thus providing significant cost savings. The (white) Aerosana is permanently flexible and can span gaps up to 20mm and the image shows joining the steel to the concrete and also sealing around the bolts.
15 November, 2023 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General
It’s the AECB meting tonight, Wednesday 15 November, arrive from 6pm at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station) on the ‘Upper Deck’ to allow better social distancing. Pub food is available. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms. If it’s cold weather pack your coat as we will be keeping a window open! As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawing etc along for an informal discussion. It’s a very informal setup, all welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone! Future meetings are wed 20 Dec, 17 Jan, 21 Feb & 20 Mar.
17 October, 2023 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General
BSBM tomorrow, wed 18 Oct, and Kind Supply building merchants will be joining us. Arrive from 6pm at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station) on the ‘Upper Deck’ to allow better social distancing. Pub food is available. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms. If it’s cold weather pack your coat as we will be keeping a window open! As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawing etc along for an informal discussion. All welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone! Future meetings are wed 15 Nov & 20 Dec.
11 October, 2023 | AECB | BSBM meeting, Events, General
Come along to an informal tour by the owner, Will South of his deep retrofit including external and internal wall insulation, replacement windows, MVHR and ASHP on the roof! Thursday 26 Oct @ 6.30pm at Clifton Street, Brighton and pub afterwards. Email will.south@etude.co.uk to book a place and for full address.
11 October, 2023 | Events, General, Oakhill Passivhaus, Projects
A great opportunity to experience a certified Passivhaus on a guided tour with the owners and either the architect or Passivhaus consultant as part of the Passivhaus Open Days Saturday 11 or Sunday 12 November. Book here.
9 October, 2023 | For Sale | surplus, General
Surplus Kingspan GreenGuard GG300 XPS insulation for sale. 600 x 1250mm boards at thicknesses of 80, 100, 120 & 150mm. Please contact Mark on 07554 015 047.
6 October, 2023 | General, Shoreham beach 'Passivhaus'
The first floor steel (phase 3) is now installed, with 2 columns extending full height.
27 September, 2023 | General, Shoreham beach 'Passivhaus'
Updated visualisation now with Google Earth data by Mission Digital Graphics Click&Mix
20 September, 2023 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General
BSBM tonight, wed 20 September, arrive from 6pm at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station) on the ‘Upper Deck’ to allow better social distancing. Pub food is available. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms. If it’s cold weather pack your coat as we will be keeping a window open! As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawing etc along for an informal discussion. All welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone! Future meetings are wed 18 Oct, 15 Nov etc
18 September, 2023 | General, Shoreham beach 'Passivhaus'
From the outset, the house was modelled in the Passivhaus Planning Package (PHPP) which suggested compliance with the Passivhaus (heating Demand) criteria of 15 KWh/m2/year, and with a dedicated and experienced team, meeting the 0.6 ACH airtightness target was a reasonable assumption, hence the provisional name Shoreham Beach ‘Passivhaus’. However, certification is not being sought and the PHPP model has not been maintained as the project has evolved, and so compliance with the criteria cannot be assumed, and so the Passivhaus label cannot be used. That said, the PHPP model does demonstrate that the house will meet the (approximately half as demanding) Passivhaus Institute Low Energy Building Standard (PHI LEB) criteria of 30 KWh/m2/year so the house could reasonably be called the Shoreham Beach ‘Passivhaus Institute Low Energy Building’ and if the completed project achieves better than 1 ACH airtightness, the quotation marks could be removed.
17 July, 2023 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General
BSBM this Wed 19th July, arrive from 6pm at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station) on the ‘Upper Deck’ to allow better social distancing. Pub food is available. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms. If it’s cold pack your coat as we will be keeping a window open! As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawing etc along for an informal discussion. All welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone! Future meetings are wed 16 August & Wed 20 Sept etc.
14 July, 2023 | General, Shoreham beach 'Passivhaus'
The views from the first floor (bedrooms) are impressive and there’s another storey (living space) to go! You can see the steel frame for the balcony and shading to the ground floor.
6 July, 2023 | General, Shoreham beach 'Passivhaus'
Unlike the steel within the building the steel outside the thermal envelope is galvanised (silver) to protect it from the elements, and predrilled for trimming out in timber and fixing a facia.
The steel frame gives an initial impression of the canopy to the ground floor south elevation to limit solar gain and thus minimise overheating, critical to passive comfortable indoor conditions (and without the need for mechanical cooling).
The (Scheock) thermal breaks separate the internal and external steels, reducing heat loss and even more critically avoiding the risk of condensation forming on the internal structure.
6 July, 2023 | General, Shoreham beach 'Passivhaus'
Posi joists have a timber top and bottom chord separated by a steel web which are stable and allow services, especially ventilation ductwork to run easily around the building. You can also see a opening for a roof light in the photo.
The garage roof is also Posi joists and you can see the firrings creating the fall to the ‘flat’ roof outlet in the centre.
26 June, 2023 | For Sale | surplus, General, Materials
If you are interested in cork insulaiton with some bitumen contamination on some of the faces (but removable with a band sore) 120mm thick varying length/width and disaggregated form in bags please contact Rob Smith at rob@material-index.co.uk.
23 June, 2023 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General
Next BSBM Wed 19th July, arrive from 6pm at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station) on the ‘Upper Deck’ to allow better social distancing. Pub food is available. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms. If it’s cold pack your coat as we will be keeping a window open! As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawing etc along for an informal discussion. All welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone! Future meetings are wed 16 August & Wed 20 Sept etc.
14 June, 2023 | General, Shoreham beach 'Passivhaus'
Phase 1 steel (ground floor over) installed in just 1/2 day.
Eagle eyes will spot the heavy bolts to the steel either side of the opening which were required to limit any (live load) deflection in the steel to less than 2mm!
Holes have been pre formed in the concrete walls and the steel for the ventilaiton system.
30 May, 2023 | General, Shoreham beach 'Passivhaus'
Concrete pour to the rear boundary Stepoc walls and the garden concrete slabs.
The concrete footings to the external Stepoc boundary walls can be seen, perhaps overkill but they will be robust in the event of flooding!
The external insulation is being applied (in this case between the garage and the house) with recessed thermally broken fixings and then capped with insulation plugs.
View of the front elevation.
The garage walls.
The internal walls are all masonry against potential flooding. This is the steam room.
Rear garden walls and slabs for seating.
The concrete toe of the boundary wall can be seen to the left, with the Foamglas kerb on the right with the brown drainage material between, forming the side alley along the east.
26 May, 2023 | Events, Fenestration, General
Passivlux sell high end fenestration and have just opened in Brighton Marina. Passivlux grand re-opening
18 May, 2023 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General
Another vibrant meeeing last night with plenty of new faces. Next meeting is wed 21 June, arrive from 6pm at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station) on the ‘Upper Deck’ to allow better social distancing. Pub food is available. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms. If it’s cold pack your coat as we will be keeping a window open! As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawing etc along for an informal discussion. All welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone! Future meetings are wed 19 July, Wed16 August & Wed 20 Sept.
17 May, 2023 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General
Looking forward to catching up at tonights meeting. Arrive from 6pm at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station) on the ‘Upper Deck’ to allow better social distancing. Pub food is available. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms. If it’s cold pack your coat as we will be keeping a window open! As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawing etc along for an informal discussion. All welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone! Next meeting wed 21 June.
20 April, 2023 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General
Lovely meeting last night, great to see everyone. Next meeting is wed 17 May, arrive from 6pm at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station) on the ‘Upper Deck’ to allow better social distancing. Pub food is available. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms. If it’s cold pack your coat as we will be keeping a window open! As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawing etc along for an informal discussion. All welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone! Future meetings are wed 21 June.
18 April, 2023 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General
Looking forward to Wednesday’s meeting (19 April). Arrive from 6pm at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station) on the ‘Upper Deck’ to allow better social distancing. Pub food is available. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms. If it’s cold pack your coat as we will be keeping a window open! As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawing etc along for an informal discussion. All welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone! Future meetings are wed 17 May and wed 21 June.
27 March, 2023 | General, Shoreham beach 'Passivhaus'
Both the slab and ground floor walls use GGBS to reduce the cement content of the concrete and lower the carbon footprint. The ground floor concrete walls are also waterproof to limit damage if flooding should ever occur. The heavy weight of the concrete will also offset any buoyancy should the site ever be flooded to a significant depth.
The Peri shuttering has been struck exposing the timber formwork creating the window opening to the spa.
Holes for the the ventilation (MVHR) ductwork have been pre-formed in the walls.
One section of Peri shuttering remains to be struck.
16 March, 2023 | General, Shoreham beach 'Passivhaus'
Chris testing the adhesion of the various compoenents to the exteral wall build up – GreenGuard GG300 XPS (closed cell for flooding) insulation (with layers bonded with Constructa Pro) to the EWI-226 adhesive to the Deuxan waterproofing to the Stepoc block. Impressive!
16 March, 2023 | General, Shoreham beach 'Passivhaus'
The ground floor Peri shuttering is going up ready for the concrete pour with plywood blanks for doors and windows.
15 March, 2023 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General
Meeting tonight, arrive from 6pm at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station) on the ‘Upper Deck’ to allow better social distancing. Pub food is available. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms. If it’s cold pack your coat as we will be keeping a window open! As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawing etc along for an informal discussion. All welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone! Future meeting are Wed 17 May & Wed 21 June .
3 March, 2023 | General, Shoreham beach 'Passivhaus'
Peri formwork for the waterproof reinforced concrete walls with Stepoc blockwork along the abutment to allow phased waterproofing and insulation to the neighbour. A great view of the sea even from the ground floor!
22 February, 2023 | General, Shoreham beach 'Passivhaus'
The 275mm thick RC slab uses waterproof concrete to avoid saturating the slab in the (hopefully unlikely) event of flooding. The Foamglas kerb can be seen which provides a continuous ‘wrapping’ around the slab and avoids cold bridging (and also provides an additional very robust protection from ground water in the event of flooding).
22 February, 2023 | General, Shoreham beach 'Passivhaus'
Delta Membranes DualProof membrane protects against ground water, gases and contaminents and the fleece face bonds to the concrete slab. Also shows rebar ready to pour the concrete slab.
17 February, 2023 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General
Next meeting Wednesday 15 March. Arrive from 6pm at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station) on the ‘Upper Deck’ to allow better social distancing. Pub food is available. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms. If it’s cold pack your coat as we will be keeping a window open! As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawing etc along for an informal discussion. All welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone!
10 February, 2023 | General, Shoreham beach 'Passivhaus'
A raft foundation was required on the beach shingle, and to avoid cold bridging a continuous slab of insulation with integral upstands (kerbs) was created using Foamglas. The Foamglas is impervious to contaminants but most critically, water which could be useful in this Flood Zone 3 location. 2 layers of 150mm Foamglas T4+ boards (300mm overall) achieves a U value of 0.11 W/m2K which will be worthwhile over a perhaps 150 year life. Foamglas is an expensive option but it’s long term resistance to pretty much everything means it is less likely to fail and should last at least as long as the building. The kerbs are the formwork creating a tray in which to pour the slab, a very simple solution, much like the Isoquick system used on a previous project.
19 January, 2023 | General, Shoreham beach 'Passivhaus'
19 January, 2023 | Edwardian deep retrofit, General
The air vapour control barrier (AVCL) is Diathonite insulating plaster to the masonry wall, Vapourblock to the ceilings with Intello to awkward details such as over purlins, with VANA tape and liquid applied AEROSANA. The AVCL is created first, then the internal studwork added to avoid awkward detailing and breaking the AVCL layer.
The transverse steel bears onto the masonry walls and the studwork supports the ceiling below, avoiding risky penetrations to the gable end
19 January, 2023 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General
Two new faces at the meeting ast night which is always welcome. Next meeting Wednesday 15 February then 15 March. Arrive from 6pm at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station) on the ‘Upper Deck’ to allow better social distancing. Pub food is available. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms. If it’s cold pack your coat as we will be keeping a window open! As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawing etc along for an informal discussion. All welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone!
18 January, 2023 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General
It’s the AECB Brighton group meeting tonight. Arrive from 6pm at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station) on the ‘Upper Deck’ (to allow better social distancing). Pub food is available. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms. If it’s cold pack your coat as we will be keeping a window ajar! As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawing etc along for an informal discussion. All welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone!
13 January, 2023 | General, Shoreham beach 'Passivhaus'
3 January, 2023 | General, Shoreham beach 'Passivhaus'
Pipe used for Injection grounting to west boundary to stabilise shingle
Contaminated shingle removed
Contaminated shingle
Boundary wall preparaton
3 January, 2023 | Edwardian deep retrofit, General
Phase 1 of this deep retrofit involves completely rebuilding the loft including installing an MVHR. Ground and first floors to follow in phase 2.
There were some very tricky details:
Foamglas pocket including around the padstone to isloate the steel beam from the structure, further complicated by having to maintain the cavity within the wall
Completed detail
The gable end was plastered in Thermactive insulating plaster and timber floor joists were hung off a steel beam to avoid timber bearing into the external masonry wall.
Detail showing the floor josits hung off the steel beam. The steel beams ends will be covered with Spacetherm to avoid condensation risk.
Pitched roof insulated with woodfibre so the whole construction is breathable (water vapour open)
A new steel bressummer beam was installed and made airtight to the celing of the pitched roof over the rear bay
Foamglas isolated the steel beam from the structure
Spacetherm was used to isolate the end of the steel bressummer beam from the abutting cavity walls
The retrurn secetion of the main roof showing floor reinforcement, Thermactive to walls, Intello AVCL over the purlin and woodfibre boards ready for installation
3 January, 2023 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General
Up coming meetings are Wednesday 18 January, 15 February and 15 March. Arrive from 6pm at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station) on the ‘Upper Deck’ to allow better social distancing. Pub food is available. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms. If it’s cold pack your coat as we will be keeping a window open! As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawing etc along for an informal discussion. All welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone!
14 December, 2022 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General
Just a reminder that the AECB Brighton Christmas meal is next Wednesday 21st December at 7pm, but arrive from 6pm at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station) on the ‘Upper Deck’ to allow better social distancing. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms unless they are absolutely sure that they don’t have Covid. (If it’s cold) pack your coat as we will be keeping a window open! As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawing etc along for an informal discussion. All welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone!
6 December, 2022 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General
Last chance to book your Christmas meal for Wednesday 21st December at 7pm. If you want to come along but just for the regular pub grub, do still let me know ASAP. Nelson Christmas Menu 2022
23 November, 2022 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General
Please let me know if your coming to on Wednesday 21st December for the Christmas special and if you want to eat at 7pm, either the regular pub grub or a Christmas menu and let me know your preference so I can pre-order. Nelson Christmas Menu 2022
17 November, 2022 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General
Not a bad turnout last night considering the weather and always great to have new faces each month. Wednesday 21st December will be our Christmas special and ideas welcome but perhaps we should plan to eat together at 7pm? The Nelson offer the regular pub grub or a Christmas menu and if you let me know your preference, I’ll pre-order. Anyone want to do a quiz!?! Start at 6pm as usual at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station) on the ‘Upper Deck’ to allow better social distancing. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms unless they are absolutely sure that they don’t have Covid. If it’s cold pack your coat as we will be keeping a window ajar. As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawing etc along for an informal discussion. All welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone! Nelson Christmas Menu 2022
16 November, 2022 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General
Just a reminder that the AECB Brighton meeting is tonight, wednesday 16 November 2022 from 6pm (but arrive whenever you wish) at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station) on the ‘Upper Deck’ to allow better social distancing. Food is served until 8pm. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms unless they are absolutely sure that they don’t have Covid (noting that the lateral flow tests dont seem to pick up Covid for the first couple of days of infection). (If it’s cold) pack your coat as we will be keeping a window open! As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawing etc along for an informal discussion. All welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone!
14 November, 2022 | AECB | BSBM meeting, General
Just a reminder that the AECB Brighton meeting is this wednesday 16th November 2022 from 6pm (but arrive whenever you wish) at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station) on the ‘Upper Deck’ to allow better social distancing. Food is served until 8pm. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms unless they are absolutely sure that they don’t have Covid. If it’s cold pack your coat as we will be keeping a window open! As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawing etc along for an informal discussion. All welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone!
2 November, 2022 | General, Shoreham beach 'Passivhaus'
At last the house has been demolished.
21 October, 2022 | AECB | BSBM meeting, Events, General
The mext AECB Brighton meetup will be WEDNESDAY 16 November 2022 from 6pm (but arrive whenever you wish) at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station) on the ‘Upper Deck’ to allow better social distancing. Food is served until 8pm. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms unless they are absolutely sure that they don’t have Covid. If it’s cold, pack your coat as we will be keeping a window open! As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawing etc along for an informal discussion. All welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone!
19 October, 2022 | AECB | BSBM meeting, Events, General
Just a reminder that the AECB Brighton meeting is tonight, wednesday 19th October 2022 from 6pm (but arrive whenever you wish) at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station) on the ‘Upper Deck’ to allow better social distancing. Food is served until 8pm. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms unless they are absolutely sure that they don’t have Covid (noting that the lateral flow tests dont seem to pick up Covid for the first couple of days of infection). (If it’s cold) pack your coat as we will be keeping a window open! As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawing etc along for an informal discussion. All welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone!
12 October, 2022 | AECB | BSBM meeting, Events, General
Just a reminder that the AECB Brighton meetings have moved to the third wednesday in the month and so this months meeting is NEXT wednesday 19th October 2022 from 6pm (but arrive whenever you wish) at the Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED (very accessible from Brighton train station) on the ‘Upper Deck’ to allow better social distancing. Food is served until 8pm. We would ask people not to attend if they have any cold symptoms unless they are absolutely sure that they don’t have Covid (noting that the lateral flow tests dont seem to pick up Covid for the first couple of days of infection). (If it’s cold) pack your coat as we will be keeping a window open! As always, please bring your ideas, projects, drawing etc along for an informal discussion. All welcome and very much looking forward to seeing everyone!
