The BBC first broadcast Dream House in January 1999.

The programme has since been shown worldwide under BBC Licence.

 

 

 

 

 

Utilising prefabricated components throughout to minimise the use of wet trades as much as possible, steel pile foundations, a by-product of the North Sea oil industry, were used.

Prefabricated precast slabs and ground beams formed the lower floor structure, with precast wall panels forming the semi-basement to the north of the house. It was decided to exaggerate the slope on the site to create an artificial mound that would allow earth sheltering to be demonstrated.

Prefabricated Timber Wall and Floor Cassettes were delivered to site and assembled around prefabricated Bathroom PODs.

Cellulose insulation was site applied to the timber frame external walls to create an insulated dwelling that exceeds current UK Building Control requirements by over 200%, and will still be comfortably within the proposed standards projected for 2004.

Untreated Cedar Cladding, which weathers naturally, will give a low maintenance external finish that is sustainable.

A large South West facing solar space will provide a lifestyle enhancement to the occupants, be a secure area for children to play, will act as a thermal buffer in winter and helps control the thermal heat gain in the house via air flow and automatic solar blinds in the summer.

To the colder North facing elevation, the external walls have been reduced in size by raising ground levels providing earth sheltering, whilst the roof is covered in alpine sedum giving a green roof.

Pictures Courtesy BRE Professional Imaging