Rather than mix up with free courses I thought I’d start a thread for reference documents.
If I knew how I would set it up as a Wiki, so that posts could be updated in some sort of order but we will have to make do with normal posts on a first come first served basis.
I’m starting off with Passipedia which I originally posted under
followed by some other guidance.
This looks interesting for those with properties that overheat or are at risk of overheating in a warmer climate.
https://goodhomes.org.uk/news/shading-for-housing
On the subject of shading I discovered, after posting the above, that the Passivhaus Component database has a category for “Sun protection systems”.
Having checked out the options I see that none are suitable for my house.
All makes and models appear to be for inward opening windows and are fitted between window head and lintel. In other words, you need to replace your windows at the same time as fitting the shutters.
My own take is that they would be fine for sash windows too, just not outward opening.
LETI have a number of publications of general interest. Have a look, something might be what you want.
Trustmark have stuck their oar in. It might be useful to show others but I expect that there is little new for forum members.
The Passivhaus Trust has updated their guide to building a Passivhaus (and EnerPHit). The guide was officially published in June last year but has now been made public.
For those of you pondering about what stage in your retrofit projects the heat pump goes in:
It looks as though I hit the sweet point. More luck than planning, plus some intuition.
Although written for residents of a section of London the linked documents are a useful starter guide for many people.
Part 1 is an overview.
Parts 2, 3 and 4 focus on three types of housing - a Victorian house, block of flats/mansion block and a modern town house.
Not exactly a reference document, more a reference image:
A new guide for flat fronted Victorian buildings.
Returning to the earlier topic of overheating, there is now advice from Shade the UK.
Summarised here:
This is a good read. I would like to point out that the joint author John Gilbert is not a known relative of mine.
This newly published British Standard has been hailed as an absolute must read for the construction industry, for clients through to architects and builders. I believe the hype because I know who wrote it but will I buy a copy?
Absolutely not! It costs £330. If you want to build your knowledge for your business it may be worth it but for the majority of us I think it’s a matter of gleaning pearls of wisdom from others that have read it.
Today I found the National Retrofit Hub’s architypes library, not to be confused with the firm of architects with a similar name.
If your architype is an interwar terrace, then search for that, and so on. You can find hints, tips and guidance based on your architype, or scroll through looking for the best match. Documents are also categorised according to location so that you can look for variations in building type and climate.
Rather than copy a link to the library I am pasting one from one step back that also includes other useful links.
Are there any useful documents a builder can start from?
I was hoping I could get my builder to look at the AECB, and thought I can get a handbook for a deep retrofit (other than EnerPhit) for the AECB standard for him as a Christmas present. Funnily AI told me there should be a handbook but maybe that is just one of those moments it is making stuff up. I can’t find anything on the AECB website so maybe they recommend other guidance?
There must be something for builders (and homeowners who have to manage this) to achieve the AECB standard that provides some good detail for builders or self-builder. Or do I need to go on a course to get this?
I would think with a good guidance I could get my builder and my neighbours onboard on the AECB standard.
Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks.
I have seen a couple of retrofit for beginners type books launched recently. I’ll try to find the details and post here.
Not that recent but could be useful. Also not too expensive.
Beginner’s Guide to Eco Renovation: Understand the Basics and the Best Questions to Ask
or free of charge
