electricity consumption for last year

We used a total of 1740 units in 2008 so on average 33 units per week.
It went up in the last quarter since jessica is now at home full time with Erik!

oct news

OUr house won the aberdeenshire sustainable house award last month. It sounds great but frankly there was no competition and unfortunately the panel didn't really understand the concept of a passiv house.

On a more practical note, RGU are coming back later this month to retest the airtightness. This is when we really find out if we got it right. The benefit for us is if it passes the passiv haus test (and there is more to that than just airtightness)and we get it registered then we get 1% off our mortage from the ecology. It would also be the first registered passiv house in the UK I understand.

summer pics

Heres some more recent pictures, no many problems but the solar panel control has had a few problems (pump coming on when it is not supposed to).

house is finished

Well we got our completion certificate a few weeks ago and are busy moving in and kitting the house out.
Heres some final pics of the finished inside. The stove is mainly used to heat the hot water since during the winter the solar panel isn't upto it. We have had to use the ventilation preheater occassionally but have managed to keep at 16-19C with very little heating. Our current electricity consumption during the winter is about 100units per week for everything. Im tracking the usage during the year to see how this changes.

timber kit

Going back in time now buts heres some pics of the kit. Its all Boron treated timber and Panelline boards (compressed wood, no glue) so very eco friendly.

Nov update

Yes I know its Dec but heres an update from Nov.
Outside done apart from landscaping.
Insides are plasterboarded and timber linings upstairs.
Solar system done but still needs final commissioning.
1st fit electrics done (which i did myself so hope it all works!)

view from the south

heres an picture of the south view just to show we have windows!