CE139 - Energy Saving Trust

Case study 3: Super E timber frame
(North Bersted)
Super E is a Canadian standard yielding dwellings with high standards of
thermal insulation and airtightness. Kelsey Housing Association decided to
pilot the system on a detached family home within a development of nine
properties. The components for the house structure were supplied to the UK
construction company (Geoffrey Osborne Ltd) by Canadian manufacturer
Alouette Homes, who also sent a team to the UK to train Osborne staff in the
relevant assembly techniques.
High standards of airtightness are achieved by careful detailing of the external
breather paper, ensuring that there are no gaps and sealing all joins. Positive
feedback has been given by the occupier who is very happy with the house in
terms of quality, running costs and air quality. Noise levels from outside are also
reported to be especially good.
Key features
Figure 13
Completed house
(Courtesy of Kelsey Housing Association)
“We used the Super E system because it
offers cost savings to the housing association
combined with improvements in quality of
life for residents and reduced impact on the
environment”
– Andrew Fellows, Chief Executive of Kelsey
Client
Architect
Construction
Ground floor
External walls
Roof
Windows
Air pressure test
Heating
Kelsey Housing Association
Miller Hughes
Concrete beam floor system with power-floated screed.
U-value 0.27W/m 2 K
Super E timber frame system with brick outer leaf.
U-value 0.28W/m 2 K
Pitched roof
U-value 0.14W/m 2 K
U-value 1.8W/m 2 K
1.41 ac/h@50Pa
Gas condensing combination boiler (SEDBUK 90.9 per cent)
with heat recovery ventilation system.
Carbon Index 8.3
Build costs £723 per m 2
Figure 14
Super E house under construction showing careful
detailing of vapour control layer
(Courtesy of Kelsey Housing Association)
12 Building energy efficient buildings using modern methods of construction