Ultimate green “Des-Res” zero-carbon eco home

Zero-carbon eco home is the ultimate green ‘Des-Res’

Every so often an eco-structure redefines the rules, surpasses expectations, and sets the benchmark for a sustainable future. The worlds first ‘Active House’ has just been constructed on an estate in Lystrup, a suburb of Denmark’s second city, Aarhus; and the dream of a zero carbon lifestyle has just become reality for one local architect.

You know you’ve got yourself a credible eco home when the impressive specifications read: “Solar panels warm under floor heating. Fifty square metres of solar cells generate electricity, while computer-controlled windows automatically regulate internal temperature”, and would have estates agents biting and the bit to have such a user friendly property on their books.

It was conceived as a more comfortable riposte to the ‘Passive House’, which has set the standard for sustainable living in the last 10 years. The ‘Active House’, which is prevalent in Scandinavia, Austria and Germany, rely on energetic insulation and a heat exchanger that warms fresh air on the way in during the colder months. Its south-facing roof is covered in solar panels and solar cells, which between them produce more than enough power to keep the occupants warm and the appliances running without the worry of a power cut.

Active builds, unlike Passive’s which are typically only open to the south, introduce huge windows on all sides of the property. In fact, over 40% of the building is glass, and even on a grey rainy day the rooms feel and look spacious and bright. Even with triple glazing, it is no competition for the thick, well-insulated walls that provides the house’s heat efficiency.

Sverre Simonsen, the proud owner who lives with his wife and two children, says: “Hopefully we’ll set a standard for what houses will look like in the future. But, this is an experiment. We’re not building houses, we’re building an idea.” Here at Hazlemere we support and encourage such a fantastic eco concept, particularly when homes like this have a positive impact on the environment. We certainly look forward to seeing more eco homes under construction in the UK this year.

Why not email us enquiries@hazlemere.co.uk to discuss how we can help with energy efficiency in your home.

CATAGORY|Carbon Footprint, Home Improvements, Saving Energy

Bank of England claim “housing crash past its worst”

“Housing crash is now past its worst”, says Bank of England

David Miles, the Bank of England’s new resident expert on the mortgage and property market, may have announced the best news of 2009 so far. Positive news that will resonate around every home in the UK, and will surely instill confidence with estate agents across the land. If his comments are correct, the UK’s housing market has stablised and is set for recovery and mild growth. This sits in stark contrast to his report a year ago that claimed the economy was the worst it’s been for 20 years. Nationwide, the building society, supported the turnaround by announcing that housing prices in June rose for the third time in four months.
“It may be the case that we get what looks like a very sharp rebound over the next few quarters: one might interpret that as a V-shape but that doesn’t really tell you an awful lot about what the likely path of GDP growth will be,” Professor Miles said. “The prospect of a rapid return to growth doesn’t seem a highly probable outcome.”

Professor Miles also added, however, that neither the housing market nor the UK economy could expect more than “anaemic” growth in the coming years due to the severity of the financial crisis that proceeded.

We’re just happy to finally see some prosperous news on the property horizon, and hope that it can be sustained. Hazlemere Windows is unequivocal in its support to the UK’s housing market, and feel confident that we can bounce back as one on the leading economies in the world.

CATAGORY|Major Events, UK Politics

More Hazlemere Windows support for Beaconsfield FC

I am delighted to say Hazlemere Windows have increased their level of support for Bucks based Beaconsfield SYCOB at Holloways Park, opposite Beaconsfield Motorway Services on junction 2 of the M40 Motorway. Hazlemere Conservatories are proud sponsors of Beaconsfield Slough Youth Club Old Boys Football Club, taking additional advertising signage at the ground.

In addition to being Beaconsfield SYCOB “Official Website Sponsors”, Hazlemere Windows are now the sponsors of the advertising board that advertises which match is on next at Holloways Park. Beaconsfield Football Club ground share with Slough Town FC, so the fixture board gets well used! Hazlemere Windows now have seven advertising boards at Holloways Park, one of which is above the main clubhouse as Hazlemere Windows, Doors & Conservatories are also “Official Clubhouse Sponsors”. Other Hazlemere Group community sponsorships for the 2009-2010 season include Hazlemere Windows support of Burnham Football Club, High Wycombe Cricket Club and Berkshire based Windsor and Eton Football Club.

CATAGORY|Football

Bucks homeowners go green or face higher council tax

According to an article on thismoney.co.uk on 13th July 2009 by Daniel Martin of the Daily Mail homeowners “who do not have double glazing or insulation would be hammered under proposals drawn up by an environmental pressure group which will be considered by ministers.”

Whatever the outcome, it seems inevitable that homeowners in Buckinghamshire and Berkshire will soon be paying more one way or the other, by either a) investing in energy efficient energy saving windows for their property, thereby reducing their carbon emissions or b) paying higher tax bills until such time as they make their home more energy efficient. It is thought Climate Change Secretary of State Ed Milliband is likely to announce what penalties energy inefficient homeowners could face in the Autumn of 2009.

“John Adams, who came up with controversial proposals for the UK Green Buildings Council, said the green loans idea would take off only if the ‘carrot and stick’ approach was employed. The loans would be offered by the Government to fund environmentally friendly schemes such as double glazing, loft and cavity wall insulation, solar panels and wind turbines.” (extract from an article by Daniel Martin of the Daily Mail)

It does make sense to opt for the greatest return on one’s investment by choosing the best financial combination between thermally efficient windows and how much they cost to install in the first place. My personal opinion is that UPVC or Aluminium “C” rated replacement windows are the best value, as they cost less than “A” rated windows, but offer excellent thermal efficiency. Although UPVC and Aluminium “A” rated windows are obviously slightly more energy efficient, and the most environemtally friendly in the marketplace, the financial reality is that you will probably never get a return on your investment unless you live in the same property for decades.

CATAGORY|Saving Energy, UK Politics, Uncategorized

Double glazing: Security for your home and workplace

You should feel safe, relaxed and protected in your home. The same applies to your workplace. It’s the property where businesses provide goods or services to their clients and have items of value related to that business. In either case, you will want to be sure that all items belonging to you are safe from theft and damage.

However many windows you have in your home, the investment in changing single glazed to double glazing for all windows is worth it. The difference between single pane and double glazing panels is that you immediately have two security panels that provide added measures of keeping your home safe. Plus is the inside or outside pane gets broken, you are still have one pane left till you find a firm that suppliers and installs made to measure replacement double glazed replacement sealed units.

When it comes to security, simply keeping summer heat and winter winds out of your home is an important type of security that also assists to lower the cost of your energy bills. Double glazing can be manufactured using security glass which means thieves will be in for a surprise if they attempt to break in through these re-inforced double glazed sealed units.

You do not want to have to worry about your home being safe while you are away. Investing in ways to toughen up the security on your home can start with the potential points of entry, your windows and doors. It is surely worth making all points of entry hard for a burglar to access by fitting secure replacement double glazing to ensure your home is as safe and secure and as comfortable environment as possible.

Some insurance companies recognise the value of double glazing windows. It is always worth asking the question, to see if you qualify for a discount on your home insurance due to the fact that your property has double glazed windows with extra security measures built in. The same holds true for your workplace, particularly if the property where the business is located in a high crime risk area. If heightened security is sadly necessary, you can add window and door security grills or bars, which still allow light in. The big advantage of fitting retractable grilles, is that you can still open the window and doors should you need to get out in the case of emergency, plus of course allowing even more light into the property.

There are many different styles, materials and types of double glazing windows available. A good way to start your search is to take advantage of the many online useful resources.

It is wise to ensure that you take very accurate measurements for online quotes or those that can be provided over the phone. This will ensure that the prices you are quoted reflect the proper amount. Get at least 2-3 like for like quotes, including from local double firms with good reputations who are willing to come to your home, take accurate measurements themselves and provide you with a no obligation quotation, leaving you to make your own decision in your own time. The best price may not offer you the “best deal”, better to look for well established independent double glazing manufacturers and installers, particularly if they have a showroom, guarantee their work and can show you genuine up-to-date testimonials from satisfied customers.

CATAGORY|Windows & Doors

Hazlemere Windows sign with Windsor & Eton FC

Despite being a Buckinghamshire based firm, Hazlemere Window Company are delighted to have agreed a three season advertising and sponsorship deal with Berkshire based Windsor & Eton Football Club, who play their home matches at Stag Meadow, Windsor.

This non-league community club’s ground is in St.Leonards Road, Windsor, Berks, where Hazlemere Windows, Doors & Conservatories have secured an advertising position adjacent to Windsor & Eton FC’s main gates. As well as having a presence at Stag Meadow, High Wycombe based Hazlemere Windows are also taking a full page advert on the outside back cover of every award winning 2009-2010 Windsor matchday programme, plus have agreed to be “Official Website Sponsors” for the next three years. You can see Hazlemere Windows on the home page of Windsor & Eton’s website

The Hazlemere Group have sponsored Coca-Cola League One Wycombe Wanderers Football Club for nearly 20 years, so are no strangers to sponsoring local clubs, as when they first started the Blues were in the GM Vauxhall Conference, and Aston Villa Manager Martin O’Neill was then Wycombe Wanderers Manager. In fact he managed Windsor & Eton FC’s current manager Keith Scott, whose goals helped the Club earn promotion to the Football League during the 1992-1993 season. Keith scored the only goal at home to local rivals Slough Town, who were Wycombe Wanderers main rivals that season. Hazlemere Windows also sponsor Bucks based Beaconsfield Football Club and Burnham Football Club who play in the same division and Windsor & Eton Football Club.

CATAGORY|Football

Glass & Glazing Federation free carbon calculator

The GGF (Glass and Glazing Federation) have developed a free carbon calculator to assist property owners select the most appropriate and most energy efficient, energy saving double glazed UPVC and aluminium windows. The online carbon calculator enables manufacturers and installers to demonstrate to their customers how much they can save on their energy bills, whilst also reducing their carbon footprint by fitting energy efficient windows.

The GGF’s carbon calculator provides authoritative and independent figures which have been verified by the Energy Saving Trust, as confirmed by the Glass and Glazing Federation’s Chief Executive Officer Nigel Rees “The GGF has invested a great deal of money, not to mention time and effort, developing this easy to use…….accurate and simple calculator.”

Energy efficient windows are rated “A” to “G” with “A” being the most energy efficient. Hazlemere Windows supply and fit “A” rated UPVC windows as well as manufacturing and installing “A” rated aluminium windows. As independent manufacturers, Hazlemere Windows are in a position to offer potential customers the benefit of almost 25 years industry experience.

CATAGORY|Saving Energy, Saving Money, Windows & Doors

Bucks home improvement specialists Hazlemere Window Company team up with Caribbean Awnings & Canopies

The Hazlemere Group has teamed up with Caribbean Quality Awnings & Canopies, as authorized distributors. Hazlemere has been distributing manual and remote control awnings throughout Bucks, Berks, Middlesex and Oxfordshire for over 5 years, and have now introduced Caribbean Canopies to our portfolio. Sun awnings have become more and more popular, and Caribbean Quality Awnings are a made to measure product that allows shade and keeping rooms cool. Caribbean Awnings & Canopies can be installed in homes, restaurants, hotels, pubs, offices, cafes, shops, schools, golf clubs and many more.

Hazlemere supply and fit Caribbean Quality Awnings in many different ranges such as: Tortola, Barbados, Bahamas, Haitian, Grenada, Martinique, Trinidad, Montserrat, St. Kitts. In addition, Hazlemere Window Company also now supply and fit Jamaican canopies in standard shape, wedge shape, wedge shape with central apex and wedge shape with base box.

As well as awnings and canopies the Hazlemere Group also distribute related products such as privacy screens, gutter brackets fixing kits branding, under awning lighting system, under awning radiant heating systems and valances.

Hazlemere Window Company are now offering large awnings for schools, which currently co-insides with available Government grants and funding for schools to purchase outdoor shading. These grants and funding have been put in place to ensure that children still get the outdoor learning which helps support the development of healthy and active lifestyles, but ensures that they are getting shade between the hours of 11am-3pm when the sun is strongest which is what is recommended by Cancer Research UK Sunsmart campaign. Therefore it does not restrict children from enjoying outdoor physical activities.

CATAGORY|Home Improvements