30 PROJECT REPORT
process, looking at offsite manufactured foundation systems, offsite manufactured superstructure, offsite sub-assemblies like doorsets and prefinished skirting boards, intelligent home management systems, infrared heating panels, battery storage, inverters, PV panels, and fractional hot water cylinders. “I wanted to bring all those bits in to simplify the whole thing, reduce the amount of time spent onsite, and increase the quality of the product,” he says. “You need to demonstrate it in practice so people sit up and take notice.” The PV panels maximise on each house generating as much energy as possible which is distributed through batteries and infrared heating panels, while the hot water is managed by fractional hot water cylinders. Figures from the completed homes show the heating accounts for only 20% of the energy consumption and the hot water 40%, and what Craddock describes as “unregulated” elements such as TVs and washing machines the remaining 40%. These statistics are another important element, Craddock says, in demonstrating the benefits of utilising these construction methods and technologies.
Aside from sustainability, one of the other major draws for Craddock is the speed of construction. “I look at things with a fairly forensic approach, and break it down into 30 minute segments as to how quickly we can build a building,” he explains. Part of this includes looking at
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how soil can be repurposed as aggregate, to minimise muck away and what needs bringing in. At Priddy’s Hard, a NUspan foundation system manufactured offsite and craned into position was used, which enabled them to do the foundations of 17 houses in two days.
Finding the right foundation system was crucial as they had to be careful how much digging they did into the Scheduled Ancient Monument. “We tried to keep everything as it is, put piles in and build on top of those, being as least intrusive as possible,” Craddock explains. They then put the timber frame system directly on top, which required no insulation or screed, meaning the stairs could go straight in.
Having the house weathertight so quickly meant external brickwork and internal finish works were able to take place at the same time. No tiling was used, with VerdeGO opting instead for a Fibo wall panel, which Craddock says not only helped with the sustainability calculations but also negated the need for a trade, making it more efficient all round.
he doorsets were all factory finished, arriving as a whole package including architraves, intumescent strips, and all ironmongery. “It means the quality of the first is the same as the last, you get continuity,” says Craddock. “It reduces the amount of snagging you’re likely to do.” They used a timber effect board made
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