A System for Building Energy Efficient Kit Homes

The Flex range of buildings has been designed using the Advanced Timber Engineered Kit System. 

This premium panelised system, used across the Flex range, represents the highest quality in both energy efficiency and sustainability. By using materials such as cellulose insulation and wood fibre panels in the 300mm deep I-joist wall and roof elements, incredibly low U values and exceptional airtightness are achieved.

A naturally breathable, airtight structure.

Whilst energy efficiency and airtightness go hand in hand, building breathability is a very important topic. Having an airtight building that breathes well provides a comfortable, healthy environment so that moisture from cooking, showering, and living can find its way outside – so this is why breathable materials should be used.

The kit is a little like layers of breathable clothing, which you wear on a long walk – designed to keep the rain out and keep you warm but importantly allows for minuscule water droplets to dissipate as they wick out away from the body. In a building, allowing moisture build-up to dissipate is essential.

What the Advanced Timber Engineered Kit System is made of.

Starting from the inside going towards the outside, the Advanced Timber Engineered Kit System is made up in the factory as follows:

1. Vapour Barrier Board: Internally, a heavy-duty, vapour barrier board is fitted. This provides excellent airtightness and moisture management within the building itself. (Please note, timber battens, any plumbing and electrical services and plaster sheets are fitted to these panels by others after the kit is erected).
2. Cellulose Insulation Filling and Woodfibre Sheet: The (generally) 300mm cavity is filled at the factory with high-performance insulation called cellulose, made from recycled newspaper. This is densely filled to provide excellent and continuous thermal insulation. A woodfibre sheet is then fitted to seal the cellulose within the I beam cavity section.
3. I Beam Cavity Section: The principal elements of the walls and roof panels are constructed from I beam sections. These are incredibly strong and provide the inherent rigidity to the building – therefore long spans can be accommodated without the need for secondary steel.
4. Exterior Board: On the outside of the I beam, is an insulated and breathable exterior board that is permeable by water vapour to allow moisture to wick away from the inside to the outside of your building. It’s part of the system that regulates the humidity in an energy-efficient home.
5. Exterior Membrane: A little like a Goretex shell, the outer membrane is weatherproof to keep the water and dust out and is breathable. (Please note, your chosen cladding or roof finish is fitted on the outside by others, on-site).

Works by others.

Our costs include the manufacture and erection of the kit, as described above. Once the kit has been erected the customer, or their contractors will continue to fit out the building. Neat Living does not directly undertake any fit-out works. For the avoidance of doubt, windows and doors are not included as part of the kit.

Neat Living Design Services associated with the Flex range.

With modern airtight buildings, such as the Neat Living Flex range, ventilation and breathability are vital aspects to provide a healthy and comfortable environment. All aspects of the building design – architecture and services are done together as a team effort as all of the different aspect interrelates.

Our design services include everything from considering the annual gains from solar glazing to mechanical ventilation and the heat recovery (MVHR) solution to suit the location and orientation of the building.

Check out our self-build services for more information – specifically on ground investigation reports and surveys, preparing to apply for and being granted planning permission and a building warrant, preparing budget cost plans and managing costs.