I feel that we've gone around and around trying to choose how to build this house. From the more obscure hempcrete to zeigal blocks (they cost quite a lot and don't really have enough insulation) right the way to more conventional, cheaper mass produced materials. Finally Harry, Garry and Dave (builders), Phil (environmental consultant) and Andrew (joiner) and me sat around Harry's dining room table with tea and biscuits to discuss how to build the house. I couldn't help feel excited and nervous at the same time as it's been such a long time since we bought the Ropewalk. So either we get concerned with the house being breathable and use more expensive more natural materials or we don't and use Kingspan high density insulation. So we're going to go with the mass market stuff. This possibly isn't what I thought we wouldn't have done 2 years ago but in terms of performance it's the most effective way to achieve a house that requires very little heating. It's a compromise as things always are and I'm afraid we might be able to afford a better kitchen and a cellar if we go down this route! Harry's classic line of the meeting must be remembered "triple glazed windows are very un-British". Well that's ok but I can understand that they don't want to look unrefined and lumpy.
Key points Garry and Dave should be able to start early May.
They always take September off so by then the other trades will have to in a position to start.
We're meeting David Cragie on Sunday afternoon to discuss and design our kitchen. This should be the fun bit .... Ok the end result will be really good if it turns out well.
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