Could this be the future of building? We Build Eco is a forward-thinking collective producing energy efficient low carbon building shells for customers with designs or plans.

Using the skills and resources of Kithurst Homes, Build Collective, STEICO and ecomerchant, the aim is to allow cutting-edge modern frame systems to be deployed by smaller builders and developers wherever they are. Based on an I-joist timber frame construction the building shell can be supplied either in kit form or panelised using natural Insulation materials.

We Build Eco can convert most existing drawings to an I-joist frame. Using specialist software, drawings are converted into a system which ensures the efficient use of materials. This allows a ‘cutting list’ to be created forming all components including floors, walls, and roof. Structural engineering is undertaken by experienced consultants and referred back to the client team for sign-off.

A simple and clearly labelled kit of parts is produced, typically within three weeks. Insulation, membranes and racking boards are included to create a passive standard weatherproof and airtight building shell. The build can be completed by any existing skilled site team within around 10 days and without the need for cranes or other specialist handling equipment.

Join The Green Register as we take a look around this exciting new venture at We Build Eco’s state-of-the-art facility in Sussex.

The day will run from 9.30 to 3pm and lunch will be provided, please email mail@greenregister.org.uk with any dietary requirements. 

Technical leaders will be

Kithurst Home’s Antoine Constantini builder, designer, engineer and fabricator of passive buildings.  

Steico’s UK Technical Manager, Martin Twamley. Manufacturer of I Joists, LVL, wood fibre insulation

Fabian Hubmann, Siga trainer. Manufacturer of airtight/winditght membranes, tapes and accessories.

Tara Fraser and Beth Williams from structural engineers Build Collective.

Programme

9.00 – 9.30 Coffee & Tea

09.30 – 11.00 Introduction to We Build Eco led by Will Kirkman of Ecomerchant. Antoine Constantini from Kithurst Homes will outline the process of designing an I Joist building using natural materials to construct to passive standards. Martin Twamley will explain the benefits of using Steico I joists, LVL, and insulation products: Special Dry, Flex and Zell. Beth Williams will explain the principle structural engineering considerations when building using I Joists and timber.

11.00 – 12.30 A practical demonstration of how to accurately cut I joists and LVL to create a ‘kit of parts’ for a building shell. Antoine will demonstrate the use of the CNC saws and explain the cutting process he will explain how We Build Eco convert a 2D drawing (CAD file) into a 3D (BVX file) to enable the building shell to be accurately cut by the Hundegger saw.

12.30 – 1.00 Lunch (Provided)

1.00 – 3.00 Using the elements cut in the morning session the participants,working in small groups, will be invited to assemble a miniature NIPP (naturally insulated passive panel).

A hands-on practical demonstration on how to use airtight tapes and the benefits of using the correct tapes and membranes to create a breathable, airtight shell structure.

A demonstration on how to correctly blow Zell (wood floc) insulation and an explanation of the benefits.

Travel info

Upper Barn, Springhead Farm, Amberley Road, Parham, West Sussex, RH20 4HN

Amberley Station is nearby, with trains via London Victoria and Clapham Junction.  Collection from the station can be arranged upon request. If you are travelling by car, please consider car-sharing.

About the Technical Leaders

Antoine Costantini MSc

Antoine has been the managing director and an owner of Kithurst Construction Ltd since 2006, originally a general building company which now manufactures high efficiency timber frames.

Prior to moving to the UK in 2006, Antoine worked as a trouble shooter for large construction projects globally.  Antoine’s work in the UK started with the renovation and conversion of listed buildings using natural materials where possible to improve their performance.  Antoine has, continually, adopted new building methods to try to provide more energy efficient homes using natural materials to have regard to the full lifecycle of those materials. This has led to an increasing use of timber for the main structure of the build and then the change to manufacturing of timber structures.

Antoine is a member of the Plate-forme Maison Passive (PMP).  Antoine is passionate about Silviculture and timber in general, and how timber can be used to create a circular economy.

Martin Twamley BSc (Hons)

Martin is the Technical Director of STEICO UK Ltd who are a subsidiary of STEICO SE, the worlds largest producer of wood fibre insulation.

Martin trained as Architectural Technician, working on numerous projects across Europe, and has been involved in the supply, design and specification of both structural timber products and natural insulation materials for over 30 years. He has also been a guest lecturer on various EU funded skills workshops, which promote the use of natural and sustainable building processes.

In his spare time Martin is actively involved with The Conservation Volunteers who aim to connect communities with the green spaces around them.

Beth Williams MEng (Hons), CEng MICE

Twitter: @BethWilliamsSE

Beth is a Chartered Civil Engineer and Certified PassivHaus Designer, and associate at Build Collective, a bespoke engineering consultancy based in Bristol.

Beth has over 10 years’ experience in low-energy and low-carbon design and construction, focussing on timber frame PassivHaus buildings. Her project experience ranges from domestic extensions to new build sports halls and high security NHS facilities.

Alongside practice work, Beth is a visiting tutor at Bath, Cardiff and UWE architecture schools, and group leader for the AECB Bristol & Bath local group. Beth is passionate about making low-energy buildings simple to build, affordable and available to all.