archtesta.bsky.social
Architect / Dad / Cyclist / climate emergency worrier. Born at 337.1 ppm CO2
150 posts
2,154 followers
183 following
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We’ve retrofit our 1970 semi detached house in the UK to Enerphit (Passivhaus retrofit). It has one radiator and is supremely comfortable all year round. It’s doable, but isn’t something you do for the pay back in reduced energy bills.
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Off site construction really should be more commonplace, but probably in panels rather than spaces. Volumetric offsite is incredibly inefficient as you’re transporting lots of air - unless you can build “flying factories” close to demand.
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I’m doing about 2K miles a year on mine in sheffield. Fast approaching 6K - e-bikes are transformational
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It’s also positive that I typed in Ukraine and my phone auto suggested invasion. Trump can’t erase that fact so quickly!
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Maybe this is one reason why timber prices have settled so well after the initial explosion following the Ukraine invasion.
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I always remember dr Who being pant shittingly terrifying as a kid, full stop
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Cargo bikes are real city game changers 😍
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The complete lack of awareness is a wonder to behold.
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A client of ours has chosen to go air to air on a fairly light retrofit project. I don’t know the exact details, but something like 2 or 3 external units and 6 internal. Not the most elegant or low carbon solution at that scale of heat demand, certainly.
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We put AECB carbonlite retrofit costs without fancy materials at around £1350/m2, which feels like a good place to aim for.
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Not that I think Enerphit (having been through the process myself) is the optimum retrofit standard. But ignoring fabric improvements for some basic quick wins feels like a false economy.
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If it was only about energy, you’re right, it’s poor value for money. But existing buildings are often uncomfortable, unhealthy and have significant maintenance due. Just refurbishing a house to a modern standard with no improvements to comfort and health can cost £1K/m2.
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I can no longer manage the kids now they’re 9 & 13yrs old, but bikes can be perfect family transport as well!
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Better build myself a brewery, then
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Clearly that kind of day
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It was lovely to see you IRL and to meet some of the team. A lovely bunch!
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Gilley says hi 👋
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Change mine about every 5 months when it’s similarly dirty. We’re in a quiet, semi rural spot but close to the city.
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What lovely stats. I did a 1hr car commute once in my early 20s and it made me so miserable I quit after 7 months. Since then I’ve never had more than a 6 mile cycle and it’s immeasurably better.
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That’s a belter
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I had a retrofit client who always said that the layer of books they’d put on the walls would double the insulation performance. Is that your aim - literary IWI!
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Ah yes, that’s the one!
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Although I’ve just realised that might not be for old perculiar 😂
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Ooh, got to find this and give it a go. “What’s the matter lager boy; afraid you might taste something?” Best beer slogan ever 😂
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We all need that time 😂