This Information Paper is the first in a four-part series that looks at the lessons learnt from four houses designed and constructed on the BRE Innovation Park that aimed to comply with the Code for Sustainable Homes. This first part deals with building fabric, and discusses the factors taken into account in selecting the fabric and materials for the houses, and the challenges faced in limiting thermal bridging and achieving airtightness. The second part covers energy sources, overheating and ventilation. Part 3 deals with water use, harvesting, recycling and drainage, and the final part covers architecture, construction and sourcing.

Illustrations: 1 line drawing, 21 photos

Format: A4 8 Pages

Contents

• Strategy
• Insulation of the build elements
• Thermal bridging
• Airtightness
• Lessons learnt
• Further sources of information