Building DIY Gardening

Ecobuild 2012 is sponsored by Schuco, who make solar power and heat (thermal) systems, glass, facades, etc.

Ecobuild claims to be the world’s biggest event for sustainable design, construction and the built environment – although that claim doesn’t sound very ‘eco’. Bigger? I though Small is Beautiful. Anyway…

Ecobuild show Excel London 2012 solar display

This show is focussing on “new eco thinking and challenging designs“. Although Eco is still outside the mainstream. New Building Regulations are very good for insul;ation – which is the main factor for an eco home. Other things tend to be a bit expensive, so stay in the luxury or niche market. Such as grey water recycling, sustainable materials (like hempcrete – hemp to make building blocks), straw, recycled materials, etc.

Ecobuild is at London’s ExCeL on Tuesday 20 – Thursday 22 March 2012. This is over in Canary Wharl to the east of LOndon, and is quite an interesting place, makes a change for Earl’s Court. Grand Designs is in ExCel, it is a very good venue for this sort of thing (vast consumer show).

Ecobuild show Excel London 2012 big crowds

So what’s on?

• more than 1,500 exhibitors – more! bigger! sustainable construction systems and products
• conference – with Sir John Beddington, Angela Brady, Greg Dyke, Monty Don, Stephen Bayley and others
• over 130 free seminars – these are promos by companies so be prepared, select with care
• many interactive displays which are fun – including Solar hub, Fabric first, Renewable heat and Natural, traditional and sustainable

Important
Before you go, make a list of what you want to do and see, or you will get swamped by the diversity and volume of things there.

To get a free ticket, register at:

Ecobuild 2012 at London ExCel tickets >

Where and When is it?

Tuesday 20 March 2012 10.00 – 17.00
Wednesday 21 March 10.00 – 18.00
Thursday 22 March 10.00 – 16.00

ExCeL London
One Western Gateway
Royal Victoria Dock
London
E16 1XL

See also our Building DIY pages on Green Building advice >

and

Building DIY pages on Solar power, solar thermal advice >

The Conservative government’s decision to more than halve the FIT (feed-in tariffs) for electricity put back into the grid (from sources such as solar power) from 43 to 21p per kilowatt hour, as reported here on Building DIY previously, has been attacked by the CBI (Confederation of British Industry) as disastrous for the solar and micro-generation industry.

Apart from cancelled schemes, this government reversal of strategy “because it is too successful” creates uncertainty for investors – who will then ethically invest abroad.

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (a misnomer if ever there was one) say they have to more than halve the FOT subsidy to “protect” it.

That is assuming a relatively tiny pot of money that can never be increased, only decreased. Since all governments of whatever stripe proclaim their green-ness these days, the proof of the pudding is in the eating (to mix metaphors). Both Labour and Conservative (and by extension the Lib-Dems) are not green at all, it is just a fashionable con, with a reluctant obedience to targets set in the EC.

We here used to build eco houses, before the crash of 2007. Then, we fitted Solar PV panels, which used to get a 50% government subsidy on the installation and hardware costs, with a complex application process of course, but there was no FIT (feed-in tariffs, payment for excess energy produced into the grid).

FIT is used in Europe a lot, but was ignored over here even though the entire alternative energy industry wanted it – because too successful.

Anyway that 50% subsidy for installation was also cancelled as too popular. In that system, there was always a rush at the start of the month, as applications had to get in before they maxed out.

What an appallingly stupid system – so the Conservatives are only carrying on a grand UK tradition of loud pro-green noises and quiet cancellations and downward revisions.

FAIL!

Note: we will be adding a DIY Solar Photovoltaic panel section soon – how to make your own panel and save a huge amout of money.

See our sections on:

Solar Energy and Power Advice and Tips>

Green Building advice and Tips >

This is to update the blog about the companies that fit solar PV panels for free.

The Conservative Government is reducing the FIT rate by half from December 12th 2011. Any solar PV panels installed and also registered with an energy company will qualify. So it is no good booking it in as the waiting times are long, as there is now a rush to sign up. There is always a delay in physically fitting the panels (6 weeks is very short time).

Also the energy companies ar ein no hurry to register your panels for the increased FIT rate – as they have to subsidise it as part of some energy reduction deal.

Comment
This is typical of the start-stop approach to anything green by both the recent Labour and current Conservative governments. They don’t really have any interest in green issues, it is just a lot of noise to fool the public. Plenty of money can be found for almost anything else – current spending cuts are a drop in the ocean of UK debt.

If a green initiate is successful, it has to scaled back or stopped, in case it is… too successful. So what is the point of that?

Like many households in Britain, we have received leaflets through our door about fitting free PV (photovoltaic) solar panels, with free use of the generated electricity.

Solar PV from Building DIY ebook

This sounds too good to be true as even a small system can cost well over £10,000 so what is the deal? Is it a scam? How does it affect your house and mortgage?

The deal is this: a company (there are a few doing this, with varying standards) will buy and install a large grid of solar PV panels, typically 12 or more, onto your roof if suitable.

The panels will generate electricity (electrons) when receiving light (photons) from the sun (an action first postulated by Einstein in 1905, as an explanation for the photoelectric effect previously ‘discovered’ by Heinrich Hertz in 1887).

Solar PV fitting by the Green Home Company, who are accredited

How does it work – financially

So how does this work financially? What are the benefits to you and to the company?

The solar PV panels will generate electricity. Some is used ‘live’ in the house. However a lot of electricity is used in the evenings and night, when it is dark, so the actual percentage of ‘live’ electricity from the panels will be smaller than your actual overall electricity use. So you will still get electricity bills.

The company gets the excess electricity that is sent back into the grid. The Government has a new (April 2010) Feed In Tariff (FIT) scheme which means they make the energy supplying companies (like EDF, or First Utility etc) pay a set amount for any electricity put back into the grid, at a set rate that is over the market value. This could have been done 10 years ago by the supposedly ‘green’ Labour Party but was not… to busy spending money on other things.

The company is renting a large part of your roof space and has a 25 year lease. That will add complications if you want to sell your house, although they claim mortgage companies do not mind. I would like to see some actual examples of people selling their houses with this fitted. It might not annoy the mortgage company or their solicitors (although they are very picky), it might deter buyers, or it might encourage buyers. Generally, you are giving up rights to part of your house for a smallish return.

This FIT scheme is to encourage people to fit solar panels. It is the European model, used a lot in Germany, where people cover their house and gardens, in solar panels to get a profit from the FIT rate.

So the installing solar company make this profit from excess electricity that is fed back into the grid.

Now, this is easily the majority of the electricity generated, as the panels will be producing the most energy in day time and summer days when no lights or heater are on in the house. Also in the winter when an electric bar or convector heater might be used to warm up rooms, the panels will be least efficient and producing less electricity – so you will still be using grid (pay for) energy.

You will definitely save on your electricity bills, the companies claim up to 50% – but that of course includes 10% or so.

Note: solar panels can’t be fixed to normal slate roof tiles as they damage too much, only clay or solid tiles.

So in brief:

Summer - lots of solar power – no use for it – excess energy goes to the grid – FIT money goes to the installing Company
Winter - hardly any solar power – lots of use for it – no excess energy – no FIT either

So over the sunny months, the investment of the installing company does very well, in the winter, it is in hibernation. Of course if the UK was more southerly, the solar input would be more equal all year round.

So you can see how this is quite profitable for the solar company, but not so great for the householder. The solar company is renting your roof space for their profit. You will gain only a small part of the electricity benefit as explained above.

This is obvious once you think about it, as otherwise, why would they buy the expensive panels and go to all the trouble of fitting them and doing all the paperwork etc?

Despite this it still might be a good idea if you are running a home smelting company (or a home office with several computers), if you work mainly in the summer.

See the Building DIY section on Solar Panels and Solar Energy >

Advanced systems include PV-T which is Solar PV and Solar Thermal combined – see our advice >

To save a bit of money by using solar energy to heat water see the Building DIY Solar Thermal panels advice and fitting >

Solar thermal even works in the winter as the new high tech vacuum systems use a temperature difference not absolute temperature to generate heat.

Went along to the installation in the Turbine Hall of the Tate Modern, Bankside, London SE1 9TG. The building is an old power station converted into a vast art gallery – a bit like an Art Mall – styled to be a bit modern, a bit industrial, a bit futuristic.

Tacita Dean FILM Tate Modern London SE1

The Turbine Hall is the cavernous space where the workings of the power station – the turbines – did there stuff. Now is it given over to art installations, which provide a good focus for visitors, somewhere for the kids to run about, and the chance for artists to make a large scale work.

The current installation is called FILM by Tacita Dean and is yes it is a film piece.

Kids running about at Turbine Hall, Tacita Dean FILM Tate Modern London SE1

Tacita Dean is an English artist (b. 1965) who works in a variety of media, including film. She likes to physically manipulate the film, and the large scale film she has created was made in the camera – which is an old technique to make experimental films, not using any modern digital post-production. Basically the film is shot in the camera (no editing or splicing afterwards, one take, then the actual celluloid is coloured, layered (montage). This might involve film printing in special machines but this is not mentioned in the notes. She has not used any scratch techniques – by which I mean actual scratching of the film surface to make lines etc – the effects are mainly overlay of images, dual or triple compositions, and a lot of colour blocks.

Tacita Dean FILM Tate Modern London SE1

There are Dada and Surreal references, which is appropriate for this ‘retro’ film style, since hardly anyone does this kind of thing any more, it is all digital for YouTube.

Tacita Dean FILM Tate Modern London SE1

This installation is part of the Unilever Series and is at Tate Modern until 11 March 2012, so plenty of time to see it. The file called ‘FILM’ is 35mm color and black and white, portrait format anamorphic, mute (no sound), looped, 11 minutes long. That’s a funny title – is Tacita Dean possessing all of FILM in this piece? Perhaps the Stan Brakhage bit. (He was an American non-narrative film maker in case you wondered – big in the 70s and 80s).

Tacita Dean FILM Tate Modern London SE1

What is the connection to Building and DIY? I (the editor) used to hang out at the London Film-Makers’ Co-op in the 1980s, they had all sorts of this equipment for real film processing. Then the LFMC got moved from the large, messy, friendly (and sometimes noisy) premises over a Chinese laundry in Camden, to special new premises in Shoreditch, and it all went horribly wrong.

Tacita Dean FILM Tate Modern London SE1

Also Tacita Dean is using images of the power station in the film, as the backdrop for the manipulations and effects. The use of physical film is ‘retro’ as is the mundane practical old building, now converted to a modern art gallery for the leisured middle classes and hordes of students, and kids.

Here are some images from the piece, called ‘Film’. It is created sideways (90 degree rotation) so it is in portrait mode, and is huge, shown in a dark cinematic space.

Tacita Dean FILM Tate Modern London SE1

Tacita Dean FILM Tate Modern London SE1

Tacita Dean FILM Tate Modern London SE1

Tacita Dean FILM Tate Modern London SE1

Tacita Dean FILM Tate Modern SE1

See our pages on PHOTOGRAPHING ARCHITECTURE & BUILDINGS >

And although not film – DIGITAL CAMERAS – COMPACT & DSLR >

Wallpaper background inside furniture - cupboard dresser

We have an old traditional Welsh dresser which is used for glassware and crockery. The drawers and cupboards in the lower half are very useful. However the furniture is made of a very dark wood.

The overall appearance was always very dark and gloomy. We had various ideas – sell it; paint it; separate into two halves (it it two units placed together); or just paint the inside.

Wallpaper background furniture close-up

The best idea was to wallpaper inside the cupboard, so that the background for the glasses, pots etc is light and also attractively designed.

A verbena pattern was used. It was stuck on with double sided tape, and cut around the shelf supports. See the following photo image for detail of the furniture inside corners, the wallpaper is cut carefully around the supports for the shelves. The alternative is to wallpaper then put the supports back in, which is a lot more work.

Wallpaper background furniture - detail of wallpaper cutting and positioning

See our pages on:

DIY Building wallpaper wallcovering advice >

and

Wallpaper – DIY general advice and design ideas >

G Plan doors oak conkers handles

G Plan doors - original handles

G Plan doors - oak conker handles

The handles on this G Plan unit were broken off, so they have been sent away to have FSC sustainable teak replacements made.

In the mean time I have screwed these conkers from oak trees onto the doors, using the same screws that attached the original handles. This also stops the screws from getting lost.

It looks quite good, perhaps there is a future in eco hybrid furniture, using actual unworked things from nature?

We have a friend who uses old tea bags leaves for pillow stuffing. True!

If you are in an older property you will not be allowed by regulations to install the dreaded uPVC double glazing frames, which ire very ugly and low quality.

Window frames should be wooden to match the old style property. See these photo images below to get an idea of what needs to be done. This is not a DIY fix, this is all done by the skilled double glazing and framing experts. This is what differentiates the cheap salespeople that flog rubbish double glazing around the streets, and the experts who are usually in great demand and have a waiting list.

They will measure up the window gap, and fit the new double glazed window into the old frame, if it is in good condition. Sometimes a whole new frame will be needed. This includes the cable system that makes the window go up and down, which is called a sash system.

Double glazing will increase the energy efficiency of your home, prevent draughts, and also increase security. Good quality double glazing will also increase the value of your home – but low quality double glazing will reduce it!

Photos and Images of double glazing

Double glazing sash windows

Above: you can see how the framing is made and then glued to the glass. The double glazed unit is factory made as usual. The fancy framing to match the old style property is actually fake!

Double glazing sash window frame closeup

Above: close up of the curved wooden detailing on the glass – can see the back of the matching other side piece through the glass.

Double glazing sash windows

Above: general view of this fantastic looking old style window, with the latest high quality double glazing. Not brass window locks – security is a big issue these days and these windows come with high quality locks including bolt locks on the inside of the frames, and side limiters so you can open the window a small distance in hot weather.

Double glazing security locks close up

Above: nice looking brass locks give authentic traditional appearance and are very safe and practical too.

For more details on energy efficiency ratings etc, see our DIY Building Glazing ratings and details advice >

And our DIY Building advice on types of window frames >

The annual Grand Designs show, fronted by Kevin McCloud, is on again, in Birmingham NEC, very easy to get to for most people in the UK unlike London. Kevin is doing book signings so check that out on the website. I am interested in what happened to the Swindon eco estate, I think it has been postponed due to the recession, will update on that soon. The Channel 4 show goes on forever, despite financial disaster.

Friday and Saturday it is open 10am to 6pm, Sunday is 10am to 5pm.

Main sections are:

Interiors - furnishing, furniture, lighting, carpets, wallpaper, paint etc – but grand
Build - for self builders and DIY buildings and DIY builders
Kitchens - your dream kitchens and mastering the culineray arts – chefs available – sponsored by Miele
Bathrooms - styles, fittings and finishes, all the latest energy and water saving devices
Gardens - big and small – grow your won
Food - kitchens live!
Village - full size buildings to explore
Technology - home tech including AV audio visual, security, 3D and more

Crest roofing and tiling display at the Grand Designs 2009 show

Eco Heat underfloor heating at the above show

British Eco wind turbine at the above Grand Designs show.

See Grand Design 2011 NEC >

The New Products section of the show is based on three main themes with a ‘path’ or ‘trail’ to guide a visitor through the vast show. This is a great idea as these shows can be like going to disorganised shopping malls, with no shops just hundreds of stands.:

• Design trail
• Innovation trail
• Eco trail

Where?

NEC (National Exhibition Centre)
Birmingham
West Midlands
B40 1NT

DIY Building went to the 2009 show, here are some Grand Designs Show photo pages >

Now it is getting colder it is time for some advice on Autumn, Fall and Winter jobs.

Insulation is less of a concern in the summer, obviously, so that is a good time to fit it. But if you haven’t it is not too late.

Modern insulation standards are very high. In the UK, BREEAM standards cover all aspects of building homes and offices. So if you buy a new build, or newly converted, property you should have excellent insulation.

We have an advice on DIY Building – Insulation >

Wall insulation - pictures - from our Ebook

Sound insulation is controlled under the ‘robust details’ standards.

See advice on DIY Building sound insulation robust details >

If your property is older than 2000 or so, ie, a typical renovation, conversion or older property, it is most likely the insulation is bad. This is because it is an ‘invisible’ feature so developers can save money by fitting low quality basic insulation. This means higher fuel bills and also more noise pollution.

Noise nuisance is an all year round problem – either you make the noise – young children, music, parties, trombone practice – or your neighbours do – but you ALL get to hear it!

This is true of all old buildings, not just cheaply built modern properties. Desirable Edwardian and Victorian houses are usually ’single skin’ – one layer of brick, without even a cavity wall double layer structure.

Loft and attic insulation

Loft spaces (attics in the USA) are another huge source of lost heat (is that gramatically correct?). Most of your expensive heat escapes through the ceiling into the roof space and hence the outside.

It is cheap and easy to lay rolls of loft insulation so get to it!

If you are short of cash, there might be grants for loft insulation, so call your local Council. It must be done anyway, as it will immediately save money on heating.

See DIY Building on Lofts, attics, an dother extensions to the home >

Loft attic stairs can be noisy!

Glazing and double glazing

Double glazing is another must-have, but this is expensive. See our DIY Building advice on windows and glazing >

Energy efficiency and greening the housing stock

Lack of insulation is a major problem with housing in the UK or anywhere else. The existing housing stock is so poorly insulated, that is where the money should be spent.

New build homes with high insulation and building standards are a very small part of the picture, under 1% of housing stock. Even less now there are fewer new houses being built due to the recession (the company that runs this website stopped building eco houses in 2007 due to banking failures, not lack of demand).

We will be adding more posts about Autumn, Fall and Winter jobs such as how to prepare your garden, guttering, roofing, walls, water inress, damp, mould, etc.

Reference:

Visit website for insulation and building standards at BREEAM >

Building a Greener Britain (improving the UK’s housing stock) (pdf) >