Our Wall Systems comprises of 12 components – all doing their bit to conserve energy.
 
Both on the inside and the outside of the Wall System is Zero VOC Paint and Stain. Most paints or stains release toxic emissions into the air even after that ‘new paint smell’ disappears. These toxins are VOCs, or Volatile Organic Compounds, which improves the performance and longevity of paint. Until recently, these were essential to the manufacturing of paint, however our fellow environmentalist consumers have demanded the development of low-VOC or zero-VOC paints and finishes. Companies have refined their formulas, and are producing finishes that are as cost effective and durable as VOC paint, but also less harmful to the environment.
 

The stain drying

Recycled products are becoming more and more prominent, and the plaster as part of the Interior Lining is about as recycled as it gets.
 
Efficiency and Stability is Sustainability’s best friends, and that means climate and temperature control. To help with this we are being guided by the German PassivHaus Standard, which aligns so well with the FivexFour objectives it may as well have been designed for it! The Standard is about making your home airtight and installing a manual or mechanical ventilation system. Air is pre-cooled and pre-heated before being vented into the building, which makes a traditional indoor heating/cooling system obsolete.
This can reduce a building’s energy consumption due to heating/cooling by up to 90%! Pre-cooling/heating air is not the hard bit – it’s getting a house airtight!
To help with this, we are using products developed by ProClima, which blankets and tapes all the inside and outside walls before they are clad. Every frame and wire hole is taped up in an effort to reduce unwanted airflow throughout the building.
 

Window wrap

Underneath interior airtight wrap is the Phase-change Material. Phase-change Material (PCM) is a substance which melts and solidifies at a certain temperature, and is capable of storing and releasing large amounts of energy. Heat is absorbed or released when the material changes from solid to liquid and vice versa; when it’s cold outside the PCM solidifies before the temperature of the room is effected, and the exact opposite when it’s hot.
 

Phase Change Biopcm

To keep the building upright there are both F17 Stud Work, and Structural OSB Board, both harvested and manufactured as sustainably as possible.
 
Between the Stud Work are Recycled Polyester Insulation Batts, and on the outside of the exterior wrap is Aerogel’s Spaceloft, a Low Profile Insulation.

Timber battens are laid over top, and follow by the ASH H3 cladding.