Science & Technology - Building Research Establishment
For our February 2014 meeting we had a car share to Garston to
visit the Building Research Establishment. It was featured, only last week, on
TV showing a new flood protection system. The Innovation Centre at BRE is made
up of 12 houses built in ground breaking techniques. These range from super
insulated walls and roofs to highly complex controls, heat exchangers and audio
systems.
The houses all occupy a small footprint, and by making them 2-3 floors high a small family could make this type of accommodation work for them. They would, however, be very cheap to light, heat and economical in its use of power. Our members all agreed that living spaces, that being the kitchens/ eating area/ lounges were very small.
Outside there was a flood pond to collect surface water and then discharge it in a controlled manner. Perhaps something we shall see being adopted more frequently!
The houses all occupy a small footprint, and by making them 2-3 floors high a small family could make this type of accommodation work for them. They would, however, be very cheap to light, heat and economical in its use of power. Our members all agreed that living spaces, that being the kitchens/ eating area/ lounges were very small.
Outside there was a flood pond to collect surface water and then discharge it in a controlled manner. Perhaps something we shall see being adopted more frequently!