LightHouse
A zero carbon future and its implications is an issue which the construction industry is focusing on more and more. With the cost of utilities ever increasing, the average homeowner is constantly reminded of the need to reduce their energy consumption.
FSB ironmongery is leading the way in sustainable development in the architectural ironmongery industry, so it is not surprising that when project designer Martin Rose of Sheppard Robson needed to find a high quality and sustainable product for the LightHouse, he approached FSB.
FSB has been a fully audited and certified 'Green Company' in compliance with ISO 14001 since 1996; in fact FSB was the second company in Germany to achieve this standard. Through their stringent procedures, FSB have managed to reduce waste by 40%; reduce energy by 18% and reduce water usage by 99%. FSB's commitment to the sustainability of their procedures can be seen in each of their high quality products.
The LightHouse is the UK's first zero carbon house to meet level 6 (the highest level) of the Code for Sustainable Homes. This standard is due to become compulsory for all homes by 2016. In order to achieve this status, LightHouse uses a range of integrated energy saving technologies and construction methods. The form of the house is optimised for photovoltaic and solar thermal arrays generating electricity and hot water, and for solar shading to prevent overheating. Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) construction combined with triple glazed windows provides high thermal insulation and airtight performance. Internal environment is maintained using Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) for winter, and a passive cooling and ventilating 'windcatcher' for summer. LightHouse is a truly amazing achievement for the construction industry, proving that functionality can be attractive.
For the LightHouse's internal doors Sheppard Robson specified FSB's 41025 lever handle from the 'featherlight' series by Hartmut Weise. Manufactured from partly recycled aluminium, its cross section in the form of droplet renders it elegant, ergonomic and material efficient.