Month: April 2007

  • What is a U value?

    Now often quoted in building or building part specification, a U-value is placed upon an assembly of components to rate how well that assemblage performs in terms of energy efficiency. It is important to note that the U-value relates to the performance of the assemblage as a whole. For example, the U-value of a window…

  • Lucious Lime

    After my ‘introduction to lime’ course I have a great fear that I may be joining the ranks of sustainable / healthy / traditional / vernacular building fanatics – those guys who, have a glint in their eye (perhaps caused by a small fleck of caustic lime) and a passion in their speech when discussing…

  • Pointing (is rude?)

    I’m going on a course tomorrow to learn the basics of using lime, with a view to working on the pointing of the stonework at the barn myself. I’m going to take copies of some photo’s of the stonework which might help in asking sensible questions. I’m quite proud of my pretty stones (at least…

  • Super Insulation

    Through recent technological innovations it is now possible to insulate buildings to such an extent that no heating system is required to maintain comfortable temperatures. There are varying categories of super insulated buildings. Zero Heat Building This category of building, through insulation and draft proofing, requires no additional heat source, except for in extreme conditions.…

  • Rock & Roll

    Today’s job was clearing our fine collection of rocks to one side of the yard. I’d always coveted the small sea of rough rocks and dressed stones that covered the concrete yard to one side of the barn. When they were left in place when we completed the purchase I felt I’d somehow got better…