Lewes Eco Open Houses The weekends of 13/14 and 20/21 September 2014

Visit inspiring newbuild and renovated houses that have drastically cut their energy and water bills.

Entry is free, but visitors are encouraged to make a donation to contribute towards costs. www.lewesecoopenhouses.org.uk Lewes Eco Open Houses 2014 The weekends of 13/14 and 20/21 September Welcome to the 2014 event, which includes 16 houses, 6 of which are opening for the first time. Lewes Eco Open Houses is happening over two weekends. The first features houses mainly in Lewes itself and will run on 13th-14th September. The second focuses on properties mainly in the surrounding villages with exciting off grid measures such as air, ground and water source heat pumps. This runs on 20th-21st September. Other events worth visiting are Ovesco’s community energy day on the 19th September at the Linklater Pavilion Making Lewes’ exhibition and series of talks on sustainable architecture (see makinglewes.org)

Reasons to visit See houses cutting 80/90% off energy costs. Learn what succeeded and what didn’t. Ingenious and cheap ideas for cutting energy use. Recommendations for local green professionals. See Green technology at work. Get ideas for sustainable lifestyles – vegetable growing, rainwater harvesting, natural materials. Above all, Inspiration! Visit www.lewesecoopenhouses.org.uk for more information on • Houses and their features, plus more photos and factsheets • local professionals • funding and grants Organised by the Energy Group of Transition Town Lewes in collaboration with Barcombe Energy Group and Hassocks, Keymer and Ditchling Transition Visiting the Houses 1

This event is free and everyone is welcome. But remember that householders are generously opening up to the public and please respect their homes. For guidance here are a few 13 St. James St basic rules. Lewes BN7 1HR Opening days and times can vary from house to Type house, so please check before turning up. Mainly 19th Century semi Morning opening is normally from 10am–1pm and detached, brick and tile clad afternoons from 2–5pm, but do check individual house de- Owner tails, as some vary. Kevin West and Helena Pickup

Please do not call between 1–2 pm, to give the Eco Features householders a break for lunch. Also remember that by 5pm Condensing boiler householders will be tired and would probably like to close Sun tubes on time. Solid wall insulation (internal and external) At some houses you may be asked to remove shoes Warm roof insulation Woodburning stove When Kevin and Helena bought his house in 2007 Normally the visit and discussions take place in the Food cultivation it was so poorly insulated that the washing machine reception rooms of the house, with the householder Rainwater harvesting froze indoors in winter! That, plus a commitment to accompanying groups to see any equipment elsewhere. sustainability, prompted them to overhaul the Please do not wander throughout the private areas of CO2 emissions (estimated) insulation and make it as cosy as possible. This has gone though several stages, starting the house. 2.6 tonnes p.a., 50 % less than average household with a well insulated extension built in 2010, attic Children will need to be supervised during the visit. room ceiling, wall and loft insulation in 2012, solid Open wall insulation within the bedroom walls in 2013 Sorry, no dogs. It would be much easier if they were Saturday 13th September and the current major phase involving external wall left at home. 10–1, 2–5 insulation in 2014. Sunday 14th September One particular problem was the house’s unusual Please try and walk/cycle/use public transport to 10–1, 2–5 spiral staircase addition, which used to suck heat visit homes, although we appreciate that cars may be up and out. However, with external insulation and almost all windows double or triple glazed, this necessary for the outlying ones. problem has now been solved and the building is Parking can be very restricted at some locations, so comfortable and economic to live in. see individual house directions for information.

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8 St. James St 12 Pelham Terrace Lewes, BN7 1HR Lewes, BN7 2DR

Type Type 2 bed brick end-of-terrace, Mid 19th century 3 bed built 1789 (very thin walls) terraced

Owner Owners Neil Williams Hazel and Patrick Collinson

Features Eco Features Attic insulation Condensing boiler Condensing boiler Green roof LED lighting Low energy lighting Low energy appliances Low energy appliances In August 2012 Neil bought this house, which Secondary double glazing Natural materials had little or no insulation and very thin brick (magnetic) Solar gain walls. In a rather hectic four week period prior Solid wall insulation (internal) Solar PV (1.75 kWp) to moving in, the lath and plaster attic was Underfloor insulation Solar thermal stripped and solid wall insulation was fitted Woodburning stove Water conservation internally in the two reception rooms. Subsequently, the attic was rebuilt using The work at this house was inspired by Patrick CO2 emissions high levels of insulation, to put a snug cap on and Hazel’s son, Joe, who has a background in 3.2 tonnes p.a., 41% less than CO2 emissions (estimated) the house. architecture and is committed to using natu- average household 3.2 tonnes p.a., 40 % less than A woodburning stove was added to the average household ral sustainable materials when eco renovating front sitting room, with the floor insulated from houses. Open below. The main impact in terms of insulation has Saturday 13th September Open All lights were replaced with LED and CFL been the flat roof insulation, which has dramati- 10–1, 2–5 Saturday 13th September and new appliances were A to A+++. Cheap cally reduced roof losses and has the added Sunday 14th September 10–1, 2–5 and near invisible magnetic secondary double bonus of creating green roof areas to support 10–1, 2–5 Sunday 14th September glazing has been fitted where possible. 2–5 only wildlife habitat. This is a work in progress, done to apply Joe was also responsible for the design and in practice principles learned from an MSc in construction of the light and airy extension, Sustainable Architecture from CAT in Wales. made almost entirely from breathable materials, The overriding aim has been to go for yet with very high levels of insulation. Even in the most cost-effective and carbon reducing winter, this can be used as a warm patio room, measures, and exploring DIY solid wall largely heated by the sun, with minimal extra insulation. input needed. www.lewesecoopenhouses.org.uk www.lewesecoopenhouses.org.uk 4 5

10 Sheepfair, Nevill, 106 Prince Edwards Rd Lewes BN7 1QH Lewes BN7 1BH

Type Type 1950s 3 bed semi-detached Newly built 4 bed detached house house, refurbished 2009 Owners Owners Peter and Louise Wingate-Saul Ann Link and Richard Hudson Features Features Integrated solar roof Condensing boiler LED lighting In 2008, Ann and Richard moved to this 1950s This modern house replaces an old bungalow Cavity wall insulation Low energy appliances house which was smaller than their previous which previously stood on the site. When Peter High performance double Mechanical ventilation with heat Victorian terraced home. The house was high and Louise acquired the property they decided glazing recovery (MVHR) on the Downs, where it can be windy and cold, to hand the design and build to local architects, Solar PV (1.5 kWp) Passive solar gain and had solid floors, double-glazing and insu- BBM, and well regarded builders Brian Huntley Solar thermal Thermal mass (polished concrete lated cavity walls, but little other insulation or Ltd of Seaford. Solid wall Insulation floors) draught-proofing. The existing bedroom and To maximise space, they dug out 300m3 Sunpipes Solar PV (3.41 kWp) bathroom in the roof space were particularly of chalk to create a new open plan garden Woodburning stove with back Solar thermal difficult to insulate effectively. level. The design is structurally lightweight, boiler Superinsulation Under the advice of consultants Maria being largely timber framed, but with solid Underfloor heating Hawton Mead, and Ken Neal, they embarked on floors to give enough mass to stabilise CO2 emissions a total refurbishment including super insula- temperatures. Walls, floors and ceilings were 1.1 tonnes p.a., 80% less than CO2 emissions tion, solar PV and thermal, and a wrap around all superinsulated with u-values for roof 0.09 average household Estimated to be below 2.0 tonnes conservatory to trap heat in winter. // floor 0.16 // walls 0.14. This is coupled with p.a., 60/80% less than average Gas use is also extremely low because the airtightness, plus MVHR, to provide energy Open bulk of space heating comes from the powerful efficient ventilation. Saturday 13th September Open centralised wood burning stove. The roof is particularly interesting with 10–1, 2–5 Saturday 13th September Electricity has also been minimised by using integrated Solar Thermal and PV panels, Sunday 14th September 10–1, 2–5 low energy lamps and installing two sunpipes coupled with opening skylights which fill the CLOSED N.B. Entry only on the hour for for natural lighting. upper rooms with light. These renewables have tour at 10, 11, 12, 2, 3, and 4. The end result has been greatly reduced Bluetooth output to give fascinatingly detailed Please arrive a little early to ensure consumption, which has qualified this house for data on performance. getting in, as there will be no inclusion as a Superhome, which demonstrates The exterior is handsomely finished admittance between tours. a minimum 60% energy reduction. in slate at the front, with timber cladding Sunday 14th September wrapping round the sides and back. CLOSED

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60 Barons Down Barn Croft, Rodmell Lewes BN7 1ET BN7 3HF

Type Type 1960s 3 bed timber frame 1973 4 bed detached terraced house bungalow

Owners Owners Ian and Magali McKay Tim Rabjohns

Features Eco Features Airtightness Air Source Heat Pump Double glazing Cavity wall insulation Gas condensing boiler External wall insulation LED lighting Low energy lighting Low energy appliances This house was very rundown when architects Low energy appliances Natural materials Magali and Ian McKay bought it in September Natural materials Passive solar gain 2011. The idea was to blitz the building work Solar PV (3.3 kWp) Perimeter floor insulation over three months, to allow the couple and Woodburning Stove Solar PV (3kWp south facing) their two small children to move in as soon as Food cultivation When Tim and his family lived in France, they Timber frame possible. experimented with low carbon living in a house When built in the 1960s, the Barons Down CO2 emissions heated by a 30kW wood boiler and fed from CO2 emissions estate pioneered well designed and economical 3.4 tonnes p.a., 39% less than fuel gathered communally. On relocating to 0.6 tonnes p.a., 89% less than timber framed housing. The priority was to an average house Britain, they wanted to build on this experience an average household therefore to retain the useful layout, whilst by carrying out a more extensive eco- upgrading the virtually non-existent insulation Open renovation. Open and providing a modern kitchen. This involved NB As all features are external, Barn Croft was chosen as a fairly modern Saturday 13th September stripping the upper ceilings to spray insulation Tim will be outside explaining house that had ample scope for improvement, 10–1 (closed pm) between the ceiling joists and inserting sheep’s these, rather than giving any but did not present the challenges of Sunday 14th September wool insulation in the timber framed walls, tour of the interior. older building stock. This building has been 10–1 (closed pm) whilst battening out to allow room for services. Saturday 13th September progressively superinsulated to minimise heat N.B. Entry only on the hour For a relatively modest build cost of 10–1, 2–5 loss, with electricity use similarly offset by PV for tour at 10, 11, 12. £70,000, a smart modern home has been Sunday 14th September generation on the roof. Heating and hot water Please arrive a little early to created, with extraordinarily low carbon 10–1, 2–5 comes from renewable energy, via an air source ensure getting in, as there will be emissions. The south facing glazed screen wall heat pump, backed up by a woodburning stove. no admittance between tours. enables excellent solar gain and well detailed This ethos of sustainable living extends to insulation means the house is close to being other lifestyle changes, including food growing both carbon neutral and energy cost neutral. according to Permaculture principles. www.lewesecoopenhouses.org.uk www.lewesecoopenhouses.org.uk 13th/14th September 20th/21st September 13 St James St, Lewes BN7 1HR Bonnys Wood, Brighton Road, Hassocks 8 St James St. Lewes BN7 1HR Pathways, Farm Lane, Ditchling BN6 8UN 12 Pelham Terrace, Lewes BN7 2DR 6 East Gardens, Ditchling BN6 8ST 10 Sheepfair, Neville Estate, Lewes BN7 1QH 33 Lewes Road, Ditchling BN6 8TY 106 Prince Edwards Road, Lewes BN7 1BH 2 Holly Cottages, St Helena Lane, Plumpton Green BN7 3DQ 60 Barons Down, Lewes BN7 1ET Sewells Gatehouse, Barcombe BN8 5FH Barn Croft, Rodmell BN7 3HF Knowlands Farm Granary, Spithurst Road, Barcombe BN8 5EF 8 Wille Cottages, South Street, Lewes BN7 2BX Rose Cottage, 11 St Nicholas Lane, Lewes BN7 2JY www.lewesecoopenhouses.org.uk www.lewesecoopenhouses.org.uk 8 9

Bonny’s Wood Pathways, Farm Lane Brighton Rd, Hassocks Ditchling BN6 8UN Directions: On the right going North on A273, 200m beyond Type Jack and Jill pub - Parking on site Detached ScandiaHus, for the day. built 2013

Type Owners Managed woodland with off grid Jane and Michael Coward barn and offices Eco Features Owner Air source heat pump Matthew Stuart Low energy lighting Low energy appliances Eco Features This is an 11 acre wood owned and run by Superinsulation Cavity wall insulation Matthew Stuart, who has just built a large barn Triple Glazing Solar PV (5 kWp) with a 5kW PV array, which will be linked up to Underfloor heating Water conservation a Firefly battery and generator unit to go fully off Woodburning Stove Firefly energy storage and biofuel grid. In winter the Firefly will try and use solar, Food Cultivation Jane and Michael Coward decided on self build almost generation but is backed up by biodiesel. Rainwater harvesting by accident, after searching unsuccessfully for a house Matthew has gradually restored the coppicing that met their needs. They were looking to downsize into CO2 Emissions in what was a neglected woodland and will CO2 emissions retirement, with a low maintenance house that had low Emissions will be extremely low operate his firewood, tree surgery and downland Energy use is extremely low energy bills and provided land for them to cultivate much as this is off grid, using PV with conservation business from here. Being off grid, at 12,000kWh pa, but because of their food. biofuel back up. he has installed rainwater harvesting for the the house is entirely electric Having found a plot with planning consent for a office water, as well as for vehicle washing. emissions are not as low at ScandiaHus, they modified the design to make it exactly Open He has placed owl boxes high in the canopy, left they might be. match their requirements. The result is a spacious modern Saturday 21st September abandoned trees for wildlife and is restoring house with underfloor heating, triple glazing and super 10–1, 2–5 drainage and chalk roadways. It is important to Open insulation that is heated by a renewable air source heat Sunday 22nd September understand that by managing the woodland, far Saturday 20th September pump. CLOSED greater biodiversity will be established. 10–1, 2–5 Rainwater harvesting provides ample water for the This is a rare opportunity for the public to Sunday 21st September greenhouse, fruit trees and extensive produce beds. go in the wood, which is normally closed off 10–1, 2–5 Building was undertaken by local firm, Coastal Building for safety and security reasons. Matthew’s Services Ltd, who worked to an efficient costing schedule vision and commitment is quite inspiring and and delivered on budget. is an interesting insight into what commercial Parking is not possible at the house, but is available at operations can do to promote sustainability. the nearby recreation ground or centrally in the village. www.lewesecoopenhouses.org.uk www.lewesecoopenhouses.org.uk 10 11

6 East Gardens 83 Lewes Rd Ditchling BN6 8ST Ditchling, BN6 8TY Best to park centrally by Best to park at recreation community centre in ground in Lewes Road and Lewes Road walk the short distance to the house Type Detached 4 bed timber Type framed house built 2007 4 bed timber framed detached house, built 1998 Owners Sally Williams and David Owners Browne Ian and Tae Chisholm Originally a thirties bungalow stood on this site until 2005, when Sally and David decided that Eco Features Eco Features renovation was impractical and that it would Condensing boiler Double glazing need to be demolished and rebuilt to meet Green Sedum roof Green roof their family’s needs. High performance double Solar thermal hot water This provided the opportunity for as many glazing Timber frame construction green construction methods as possible, whilst Individual room thermostats UK sourced timber also planning for flexibility and changing needs Solar PV (4kWp) Underfloor heating in a modern contemporary design. Solar thermal Warmcell recycled paper When Ian and Tae moved to Ditchling, this site Standing on soft clay, the foundations Timber frame insulation was occupied by a timber framed bungalow, needed to be piled, with a suspended concrete Timber cladding Woodburning stove which had been originally been a First World structural deck. From this base a timber Underfloor heating War army hut. Given its age and tired state, framed house was built, partly with red cedar throughout CO2 emissions renovation was not an option, but they were cladding and partly with self coloured render. Underfloor insulation About 25% less than an inspired by the charm of a timber house and This structure was heavily insulated and has Warmcell wall insulation average UK house, despite employed timber frame specialist, Jon Broome, solar thermal and more recently solar PV, yet being much larger. to design the current building. retaining space for a large area of sedum roof CO2 emissions Jon was a colleague of the renowned to support wildlife. 1.1tonnes, 80% less than an Open Walter Segal and came up with a design, built Large areas of glazing have been created average house Saturday 20th September in 1998, which employed then unheard of levels to both maximise solar gain in winter and 10–1, 2–5 of largely natural insulation, to create a highly give as much natural illumination as possible. Open Sunday 21st September insulated and sustainable dwelling. The building Underfloor heating has been employed both Saturday 20th September 10–1, 2–5 is topped off by an attractive green roof, which upstairs and downstairs, with the ground floor CLOSED provides a low maintenance haven for wildlife, slab being heavily insulated. Sunday 21st September whilst further enhancing insulation. 10–1, 2–5 www.lewesecoopenhouses.org.uk www.lewesecoopenhouses.org.uk 12 13

2 Holly Cottages Sewells Gatehouse, St Helena Lane Barcombe BN8 5FH Plumpton Green BN7 3DQ Type 3/4 bed detached ScandiaHus, Type built 1985, refurbished 2012 2 bed end of terrace cottage, of solid brick/timber frame, Owners built 1865 Jason and Mel Lundin

Owners Features Nick and Janet Rouse Ground source heat pump (GSHP) Sewells Gatehouse was built in 1985 by Features Holly Cottages demonstrates the kind of Solar PV (3.2 kWp) Jason’s mother’s construction company to Ground sourced heat pump problems faced in conservation areas. Nick was Triple glazing a ScandiaHus design, which at the time was High performance secondary obliged to keep the very leaky lattice glazed Underfloor heating cutting edge with high levels of insulation and double glazing windows, but greatly reduced heat losses Underfloor insulation triple glazing. Following construction, this was Insulated front door by fitting high performance double glazed rented out continuously until very recently. Solar PV (5.9kWp) secondary panels. CO2 emissions When Jason and his family decided to move in Solar thermal The front door, although thin and leaky, 2.9 tonnes p.a., 48% less than a couple of years ago, they felt it was time for Solid wall insulation also had to be kept for conservation reasons. an average household a major upgrade, with improved insulation, a Underfloor insulation A replica of the inside of the door out of ground source heat pump and solar PV panels Underfloor heating reclaimed Victorian pine was fixed to the Open on the roof to help balance the additional original with insulation between. The solid walls Saturday 20th September electric load. This replaced expensive electric CO2 emissions were insulated internally using foam backed 10–1, 2–5 convector heating. Energy use is now nearly 2.7 tonnes, 50% less than an plasterboard. Sunday 21st September 50% below average and more than 60% lower average household As the house is off gas grid, it was originally CLOSED than the former building. heated by high emission coal, but now has a The work took over a year and involved Open ground sourced heat pump, which runs an stripping out all flooring and plastered wall Saturday 20th September underfloor heating system. To offset the fairly surfaces to gain access to the underlying 10–1, 2–5 high electricity demands of this system, Nick structure. At the same time, the kitchen was Sunday 21st September has two solar PV arrays totalling 5.9 kW. switched from the south side, where it tended 10–1, 2–5 Around 50% of hot water also comes from to overheat, to the north side, with its lovely solar panels. views across the fields.

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Knowlands Farm Granary Spithurst Rd, Barcombe BN8 5EF

T 0800 052 1213 (FREEPHONE) Type E [email protected] 3 bed Barn conversion done W www.agreeneralternative.co.uk in 2002 12-14 Sheffield Park Business Estate Sheffield Park, East Sussex TN22 3FB Owners Nick and Harriet Lear

Features Water source heat pump Underfloor heating Nick and Harriet have lived at Knowlands Farm Double glazing for more than 40 years and downsized from Underfloor insulation the main farm house to the barn conversion in Solar PV ( 10 kWp) 2002. This conversion included solid wall CO2 emissions insulation, insulation between the rafters, We install modern wood heating systems into your CO2 emissions are still quite double glazing and even underfloor insulation high, but the effect of the PV with underfloor heating. However, although the house or business and the Heat pump will be a farmhouse had a biomass boiler, the Granary massive 7 tonnes per annum has had oil fired central heating and an oil Claim the government’s Renewable Heat Incentive – money reduction. Nevertheless, the fired Aga right up until this summer. This has paid to you to install a wood system in your house AGA is a big limiting factor... now changed, with the installation of a water source heat pump, extracting heat from the Wood heating is a renewable, low carbon choice Open lake to provide space heating and hot water. At Saturday 20th September the same time, the AGA is being converted to Call us to discuss your heating requirements 10–1, 2–5 electricity, to exploit the Solar PV generation. Sunday 21st September The couple have long pursued a sustainable CLOSED lifestyle, having lived sustainably off 10 acres A GREENER ALTERNATIVE LTD of farmland up until 15 years ago. Nick has also continued to carefully husband the 70 acre wood as a nature reserve, particularly for 01825 722 031 local butterfly species, and harvests timber and [email protected] www.agreeneralternative.co.uk firewood, which they sell. T 0800 052 1213 (FREEPHONE) Part of Ovesco Installers Network E [email protected] W www.agreeneralternative.co.uk Nicki MyersMyers OFFICE MANAG MANAGERER www.lewesecoopenhouses.org.uk 12-14 Sheffield Park Business Estate Sheffield Park, East Sussex TN22 3FB 15 16

8 Wille Cottages, South St, Rose Cottage, Lewes BN7 2BX 11 St. Nicholas Lane Lewes BN7 2JY Type 2 bed terraced brick house Type built 1898 Detached house built 1740

Owner Owner Jill Goulder Dave and Polly Robinson

Features Eco Features Cavity wall insulation (part) Condensing boiler Draughtproofing Intelligent Heating controls Landshare veg. patch Low energy lighting Loft Insulation (Warmcell) Low energy appliances Low energy lighting LED & CFL Mechanical heat recovery Secondary Double glazing ventilation (MVHR) Solar PV Structural Insulated Panels (SIP) 8 Wille Cottages is a model of what can be done Sun Tube Food cultivation to an old house, taking advantage of renovation Underfloor heating (part) works to install some of the more disruptive Underfloor insulation CO2 emissions measures, such as underfloor heating and Approximately 40% less than insulation. The front cavity wall and the loft have Dave and Polly bought this house in 2000 and have long CO2 emissions average household also been insulated. Jill has come up with many wanted to ecorefurbish it and expand the living space, 1.9 tonnes p.a., 65% less than ingenious methods for very effective reductions, but have only just found the time and the energy to average household Open such as magnetic strip secondary double glazing tackle this challenging project. Saturday 20th September (very cheap and near invisible), creative use of The new extension that wraps round the rear Open 10–1, 2–5 LED lighting (she can advise on choosing low demonstrates the insulating power of structural Saturday 20th September Sunday 21st September energy light bulbs too) and simple solutions to cut insulated panels and has made the living space far more 10–1, 2–4 10–1, 2–5 waste from cooker fans and TV aerial amplifiers. generous. The leaky attic has also been tackled with Sunday 21st September Her commitment has qualified the house as a solid wall insulation that runs over the sloping ceilings, 10–1, 2–4 “Superhome”, with emissions reduction > 60%. installed by Dave himself. Links to Jill’s website, her Superhome webpage Very unusually, the house has intelligent heating and downloads for information sheets on the controls which enable different areas to have their house, secondary double glazing and LEDs are own thermostats and daily heating schedules, to closely available on the main Lewes Eco Open House model usage and minimise energy input. website. Whilst listed buildings have their constraints, this house shows that a great deal can still be achieved. www.lewesecoopenhouses.org.uk www.lewesecoopenhouses.org.uk JmklYafYZd] ;]ka_f \]ka_faf_Û_j]]fÛZmad\af_kÛÛ kaf[]Û~††€ oooZZe¤Yj[`al][lk[gmc