Rural ZED Carbon Neutral Kit Home (MMC)

RuralZED is a new innovative housing system which brings together the speed and quality of lightweight Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) with the benefits of heavy weight thermally massive construction at an affordable price. From single storey to multi-storey the flexibility and simplicity of this high performance building fabric makes variations on internal space and external appearance easy. In addition to a bright healthy indoor environment the RuralZED concept has fully integrated renewable micro-generation technology (and upgrade path) to a Zero Energy Development (ZED). The system is ideal for the volume builder or self-builder who wants to stop climate change and build a sustainable healthy future.

After wining a sustainable affordable housing competition in Cornwall, a prototype for the RuralZED construction system was developed by BDa with Mark Lovell Design Engineers and built by the Cornwall Sustainable Building Trust (CSBT) in Camborne, Cornwall in December 2004. The house formed the centre of a low carbon construction exhibition and had over 2000 people through its doors in the first 2 days. Since then the lessons of the prototype have been learned and the supply chain developed. A firm price can now be offered through Oakwood Builders for a detached, semi - detached or for terraces of up to 6 units. The timber frame can be adapted to 3 storeys with the same details and timber sections used for 2 stories providing town houses and multiple resident occupancy units. A 60k full ZED specification detached house is offered in kit form through Oakwood Builders for self builders (min 6 orders to be placed).

A RuralZED home is more than just a construction system - it is a way of life engendered by the building and spaces within. The healthy aspects of light, fresh air, natural materials and finishes are at the heart of the concept - there is even room to grow your own vegetables and options for vegetable oil powered cars. The strength of the kit relies of the heavy timber framing, not dissimilar to the timber framed houses built for over a thousand years in Britain. A 'box' is formed by posts and beams on a strip concrete foundation. An airtight breathing membrane is formed over the box to simplify sealing details and provide an initial watertight envelope as quickly as possible. A gang nail roof allows variation on roof scape and the façade design can be tailored to individual locations. Heavy weight eco concrete planks rest onto the solid timber beams moderating the internal temperature without the need for air-conditioning whilst passive solar conservatories are available on the north / south houses. The super insulation and energy efficient appliances reduce the energy requirements to such an extent that all the buildings needs can be met through renewable technologies. Microgeneration technology is easy to install as part of an upgrade if not included as part of the base build. Robust detailing combined with easy access to the building fabric and services make the RuralZED unique in providing a sustainable home as well as a way of life.