Contract Plumbing is participating with a number of other companies in the Stoneguard Carbon 60 Research House Project.

This has been designed, and will be built, to make full use of modern technology. With the information gained, new ideas could evolve for the benefit of the future building industry, reducing our demand for energy.....

The Stoneguard C60 house aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 60% compared to typical homes. This meets the target for 2050 set out in the Government’s Energy White Paper of 2003.

The house is being built on the University Park Campus within the School of the Built Environment. The School will monitor every aspect of the building, such as heating, cooling, water consumption and lighting, over the next twenty years.

Many companies are bringing their expertise under one roof for the first time. The Stoneguard Protec system is not only very efficient in terms of construction but also provides high levels of insulation to improve the performance of the house.

Other features include an earth-air heat exchanger system to improve thermal comfort; a grey water management system to re-use shower water for flushing and a rainwater harvesting system to supply water for washine machine, shower, gardens and external washing. There are also sunpipes to maximise use of natural light; passive solar heating and a ventilation / heat recovery system.

The four bedroom house, constructed over three levels, includes a basement and roof space. It will be occupied in order to produce robust and valid data, which will enable the companies involved to monitor the performance of their products and services for both domestic and commercial markets.