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If you read only one book before designing your conversion or renovation, then I recommend that you make it this one. I love patterns!

Location, Location, Location! pah, that's old hat we all know that the new mantra of home-building is Insulation, Insulation, Insulation.

Read more about - Lime mortar, VAT on conversions and managing woodland for fuel.

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Around an ongoing barn conversion project, this website draws together advice, information and references to aid all would-be and current barn and non-residential building converters and renovators.

Our approach takes on board 'healthy house', sustainable, ecological & environmental concepts to as great a degree as timescales and budgets allow.

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Building Progress ~ February 2010

Step 8 = roof

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On Travertine tiling - pictures by Downstairs tiled floor | my barn conversion on February 18th, 2010
[...] time and money in planning, sourcing and then fitting. It’s been completed for a while now (since August 2009),...

On Gas Pipeline Woes by The four new English “eco-towns” | my barn conversion on February 10th, 2010
[...] my first thought was ‘glad they’re not on my doorstep’ , but then I have a bloody big gas...

On Building Progress ~ August 2009 by Building Progress ~ January 2010 | my barn conversion on February 8th, 2010
[...] foray into the world of tiling can be quicker and more effective than the last one, the thought of...

On Insulation by Logs | my barn conversion on February 5th, 2010
[...] Location, Location! pah, that's old hat we all know that the new mantra of home-building is Insulation, Insulation, Insulation...

On Logs 2 by Future Fuel | my barn conversion on February 5th, 2010
[...] Logs 2 [...]

On The Healthy House by Green Business on February 2nd, 2010
Thank you for this checklist - I might use it in future when building a green house of my own!...

On Air Source Heat Pump by Feed-in tariffs … coming soon to a roof near you!? | my barn conversion on February 2nd, 2010
[...] On Air Source Heat Pump by Pete on January 12th, 2010I'm in a barn conversion with a GSHP supplied...

On Building Progress ~ December 2009 by Gina on January 22nd, 2010
My first visit here... great blog! I always say, if you want to be really green, don't build a new...

On Design Patterns ~ my choices by Alexanders Pattern Language | My Place Of My Own on January 21st, 2010
[...] also think I’d selected too many patterns, choosing mainly those that fit, rather than those that I really valued....

On A Pattern Language - Towns Buildings Construction by Alexanders Pattern Language | My Place Of My Own on January 21st, 2010
[...] inspiration, but this time one that I’d previously used was Alexanders Pattern Language [review on MyBarnConversion.com]. I’d applied this...


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    Insulation ~ Cork

    Category: Insulation September 28th, 2008 by mbc

    You knew there was a use for cork except for sealing wine bottles…

    Description
    Cork is a natural and effective insulator. One disadvantage for the UK builder is the need to import cork from countries with the climate to grow it such as Portugal and other Mediterranean countries (China and India are now getting in on the act). Cork is fire-retardant, resists mold and is non-toxic.

    insulation

    Features

    • Biodegradable.
    • Renewable.
    • Low embodied energy.
    • Excellent acoustic insulation.
    • Low impact production - few chemical additives.
    • Self-supporting. Cork boards do not slump and therefore maintain their structure and insulating properties over time.

    Performance
    Cork boards at 120 kgs/m2 have a thermal conductivity or K value of 0.04 W/m.K.
    (Watts per meter Kelvin ~ a lower value is a better result)

    Cost
    As production is still relatively small scale, cost is relatively high - I guess! I’m currently unable to get UK prices for Cork insulation - anyone able to advise?

    Lies, damn lies & statistics...
    Don't agree? Know better? Got a real world example to share? Are you a manufacturer or supplier with something to say?
    This isn't a one way street, we really want to hear from you so please comment below or have your say on the forum...
    Great posts will be eligible from prizes from our forum competition!

    …if only we could collect our wine bottle corks and make our own…

    If you enjoyed that post, then read these...

    Insulation ~ Expanded Polystyrene on July 6th, 2008
    Expanded Polystyrene insulation is made from small beads of polystyrene that are heated to expand them.

    tag: 'Insulation' tag: 'Insulation' title (3)

    Insulation ~ Glass Fibre on November 26th, 2009
    Similar to mineral wool insulation, glass fibre is one of the most common forms of insulation in the UK - everyone knows that rough, itchy,...

    tag: 'Insulation' title tag: 'Insulation' (3)

    Insulation ~ Extruded Polystyrene on December 23rd, 2009
    Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) is made by mixing polystyrene and a blowing agent under pressure and then forcing the resultant fluid through a die.

    tag: 'Insulation' title tag: 'Insulation' (3)

    Insulation ~ Polyurethane on February 16th, 2009
    Often abbreviated to PU, Polyurethane is usually applied as a foam insulation sprayed onto the underside of roof rafters.

    tag: 'Insulation' tag: 'Insulation' title (3)

    Insulation ~ Phenolic foam on November 26th, 2009
    Phenolic foam insulation is made by combining phenol-formaldehyde resin (note the presence of formaldehyde, a hazardous chemical and known carcinogen), a foaming agent and a...

    tag: 'Insulation' title tag: 'Insulation' (3)

    Posted in Insulation |

    11 Responses

    1. nicola robinsonova Says:

      We’re just looking at flooring options and were thinking about using cork. I really like the look of the dyed cork tiles. We’re also looking at natural rubber.

      Good luck with drinking enough to line your walls with bottle corks!

    2. EnviroNomix Says:

      EnviroNomix currently supply the UK Market with Acoustic Cork Insulation, any questions can be emailed to info@environomix.co.uk or alternatively visit our website at www .environomix. co. uk - we are located in the South East, but can deliver across UK.

    3. the other wood Says:

      the other wood , a term used by the victorians to describe cork ,
      we are based in dublin and supply and install the most diverse range of cork flooring available , 7 designs , 9 sizes , vibrant colours , a floor to fit every situation,
      the best of thermal insulation

    4. Insulation | my barn conversion Says:

      [...] The most sustainable and therefore greenest category of insulators. Includes Sheep’s wool, Cork, Hemp and [...]

    5. alain Says:

      I am curently importing cork in France and looking for parteners in UK.
      I’ve got only cork
      - in sheets for insulation; size: Thickness 40mm, 50mm, 60mm; lenght: 1m, width: 0,50m
      - in granulated.

      saling price are 300€ cubic meter with discount on quantity.

      If you need more details; I will be pleased to answer.

      Alain

    6. alain Says:

      note my email:
      aatradeactions@free.fr
      phone 0033616466997

    7. alain Says:

      just an extra comment
      sheets or boards are agglomerated cork, not expanded cork.

      It means density is higher; average of 175Kg per cubic meter.

      a lot easier to cut without dust and the surface is more finer.

      Alain

    8. mbc Says:

      Sounds like an interesting product alain - good luck with that.

    9. Huw Roberts Says:

      I am currently doing a barn conversion in Shropshire and want to use cork as a sustainable insulation on the walls. Please contact me if you can supply.
      Huw

    10. mbc Says:

      Huw - I suggest you contact Alain whose email address I’ve just added above…

      Good luck

    11. mantar çat? « Kucukevim’s Blog Says:

      [...] my barn conversion amorim la maison du liege teknor sanater [...]

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