NorDan’s Passivhaus standard triple glazed windows have been used in the development of QB3, an energy efficient building, which is part of the Cube Project.
The building, which was designed by the University of Hertfordshire’s Dr Mike Page, is very simple: spanning one level and 18 square metres, it is an extremely small space. However, energy efficiency is achieved through triple glazed windows, air source heat pumps and solar photovoltaic panels. It also has the capacity for a green roof.
The QB3 has been designed to accommodate two people, allowing them to live a comfortable modern lifestyle which has little impact on the environment.
The space features a full-size bed and comprehensive kitchen, which includes an induction hob and an A+++ fridge. Moveable walls ensure the space can be exploited; the kitchen can be wound back to allow access to the washing machine and shower area. The bedroom shelving can also be moved.
QB3’s moveable walls were developed by Bruynzeel. Heating is provided by two air source heat pumps, one of which is set in its hot water tank.
The building also features NorDan’s triple glazed top swing timber windows and ‘Stormguard’ picture windows with thermally broken frames. The company also supplied the glazed entrance door.
The QB3’s post and beam structure has been developed in conjunction with Bolton Buildings. The outer structure can be assembled within four hours, with the internal walls, doors, windows, insulation and electrics requiring a construction time of 3 to 4 days.
Designed for placement wherever a static caravan would be permitted, the building can be easily transported by road. Dr Page envisions it as an ideal holiday home for a young family; it could also be used as emergency accommodation for remote workers.
The innovative build was featured at this year’s Edinburgh Science Festival, which took place in St Andrews Square. It has also appeared on George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces.
NorDan UK Ltd
2 Almondview Office Park
Livingston
EH54 6SF
T: 01506 433173
This article sees the MCRMA discuss how independent inspectors can help minimise risk and maximise project efficiency…
Posted in Articles, Building Associations & Institutes, Building Industry News, Building Products & Structures, Building Regulations & Accreditations, Building Services, Building Systems, Cladding, Facades, Facility Management & Building Services, Health & Safety, Research & Materials Testing, Restoration & Refurbishment, Retrofit & Renovation, Roofs, WallsMitsubishi Electric, the UK’s largest heat pump manufacturer, is proud to announce that its Training Centre in Hatfield has been approved as a LCL Level 3 training centre for air source heat pumps.
Posted in Articles, Awards, Building Associations & Institutes, Building Industry Events, Building Industry News, Building Products & Structures, Building Regulations & Accreditations, Building Services, Case Studies, Facility Management & Building Services, Heating Systems, Controls and Management, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning - HVAC, Pipes & Fittings, Plumbing, Restoration & Refurbishment, Retrofit & Renovation, Site Preparation, Sustainability & Energy Efficiency, TrainingCEO of Purplex Marketing, Andrew Scott discusses the potential dangers of relying solely on AI-generated content for brand marketing in 2025 and argues that, while it’s a powerful tool, AI must be used with caution.
Posted in Articles, Building Industry News, Building Services, Information Technology, Innovations & New Products, news, Research & Materials TestingStannah, a leading UK lift supplier, has won the special purpose lifts category in Elevator World’s Project of the Year Awards, for the lift solution supplied to Grade I Listed Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) restoration project.
Posted in Accessibility, Articles, Awards, Building Industry Events, Building Industry News, Building Products & Structures, Building Services, Case Studies, Facility Management & Building Services, Health & Safety, Restoration & Refurbishment, Retrofit & Renovation