EXPERT
the insulation is built into the panel, which allows up to 10% more space internally and is not vulnerable to damp. One of the main benefits is
the speed of construction – we only have a short construction window in the Alps as it’s very difficult to build during snowy winters – SIP structures can be installed in under two weeks. The panels create a fully airtight shell that is so highly insulated that teams can be inside all winter fitting it out.
HEALTHIER HOMES This airtight envelope allows us to control indoor air quality and temperature, and engineer a building that’s healthier to live in, using mechanical ventilation and heat recovery systems. A system of ducts and fans filters contaminants, toxins and allergens out of incoming air, and humid air from kitchens and bathrooms is efficiently extracted, leaving quality fresh air circulating. Rather than being extracted
and wasted, the heat from the outgoing air is transferred to warm up the incoming cold air. Instead of gas boilers, we use air source heat pumps, which are over three times more energy efficient. They extract heat energy from the air (even in extremely cold temperatures of –20 degrees) and transfer it to heat the chalet’s tap water and underfloor heating. Canadian wells are a passive
method we use to heat the air coming into the building through underground pipes, using the earth’s natural geothermal energy. Underfloor heating is another no brainer
A SIP structure is much stronger than a traditional timber frame and quick to build
Inside Chalet Combloux – Steven believes great design and energy efficiency can go hand in hand
for an eco home – gently warming the large area of floor space is up to 40% more energy efficient than quickly delivering a high temperature to a small traditional radiator to heat a room. All our chalets have triple glazing, which loses significantly less heat than double glazing and reduces noise transmission as well as solar gain, to keep a constant temperature inside. Using all these techniques
it’s possible to create a building that works, breathes and stays warm – just like its residents. Making changes to work with the natural environment, instead of against it, is more important than ever as the
“Making changes to work with the natural environment, instead of against it, is more important than ever”
impact of climate change and air pollution is felt everywhere. In Chamonix, log fires have been banned in homes because the fine particles in the smoke were regularly exceeding safety limits across the valley, causing respiratory illnesses and schools to keep children inside at break times. Many of our clients are choosing ‘gas- effect’ log fires to give the cosy ambience without the smoke and pollution, as additional heating is not needed in a SIP home. We’re getting increasing enquiries from people putting eco-friendliness at the top of their priorities for building
and we’re pleased that in most cases we’re building family homes rather than holiday homes, as our building method is not more expensive than other traditional methods. We’re starting to offer SIP
structures to constructors, developers and architects across France to try to build a greener future. Now that we’ve shown what’s possible even in the mountains, we’re hoping an even bigger change is coming. ■
Steven Downs is the owner of ECSUS Design in Les Gets, Alps Tel: 0033 (0)6 85 20 48 09
ecsusdesign.com
FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS: March/April 2024 63
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