Dugdale Trust Case Study

CHALLENGE

Chris and Warwick Dugdale launched the Dugdale Charitable Trust in late 2011, which with the support of local companies and individuals, builds high spec homes which are sold at auction and all profits are donated to charities.

Smallfield Lane is the Trust’s most ambitious project to date in which six town houses were constructed on one site in seven months. The initial aim was to build equity so that further projects could be completed but Chris decided to build them to a much higher standard than would normally be expected for a 152m² home. The rationalisation was that, by making an investment now in higher specification products, the homes would last longer with several generations of home owners reaping the benefits of these warmer, dryer and more comfortable homes.

SOLUTION

Chris decided to follow the Lifemark guidelines for building the town houses which ensure they were suitable for any age and mobility requirements. This meant doors and hallways would be wider, entrances were level and paved courtyards/paths aid mobility.

Plenty of drawers and lack of high cupboards in the kitchens plus a walk in shower are convenient for everyone, but especially for someone in a wheelchair. As a result of the Lifemark guidelines the houses were awarded the top Lifemark 5 star rating.

Chris investigated a number of heating alternatives with regard to comfort and affordability. She compared solar panels and electric heating with water filled radiators and extra thick insulation.

To help keep heating costs to a minimum, Earthwool^® glasswool insulation was installed in the walls and ceilings. Any wall separating a bedroom with either a bathroom or a living area was also insulated with Earthwool^® glasswool: Wall batts, R-2.6, to provide sound absorbing performance. Most internal garages only have insulation installed in the inside wall, but at Smallfield Lane the garages have insulation in the ceiling and outside walls to provide high levels of thermal performance. Along with an insulated and sealed garage door, the garage could potentially be used for a hobby room, a man cave or an extra bedroom.

Earthwool^® glasswool: Ceiling batts, R-5.2, were used providing the homes with one of the highest thermally rated ceiling products available.

Commenting on her decision to use Earthwool^® glasswool insulation, Chris said: "When I decided to invest in future-proofing the homes, it was important that high quality products were used, that would stand the test of time. Earthwool^® glasswool comes with a 50 year warranty which provides added peace of mind. I was also impressed by the sustainability credentials of the products as well as the high levels of thermal and acoustic performance the insulation would provide occupants."

RESULT

Earthwool^® glasswool insulation is made using recycled glass and with ECOSE^® Technology, a revolutionary binder that contains no added formaldehyde, petro-based chemicals or artificial colours.

The Glasswool insulation has inherent thermal, acoustic and fire performance and because it comes in a wide range of sizes and R-Values it provides great choice for builders looking to create comfortable, energy efficient homes.