Hermetically sealed

In January 2015, Nick Cvetkovic from Market Bosworth, Leicestershire, started work on the construction of a low carbon, energy efficient home to reside in.
Cvetkovic was keen to move away from the stereotypical British brick house and take a more contemporary approach with his home’s design. He opted for non-traditional materials, such as western red cedar timber and slate cladding for the external walls, as well as a steel roof. To make the most of the fantastic views over open countryside, he also chose to position the living room on the first floor and incorporate very slim profile glazing to create unbroken views.

However, aesthetics were not Cvetkovic’s only priority. In order to meet the desired insulation standards and U-values, building materials and components all had to be carefully considered during planning to maximise the property’s efficiency.

Contrary to popular belief, three times the amount of heat is actually lost to infiltration and air leakage than through walls and ceilings. Ensuring that the building is completely airtight is one of the principle requirements of a low carbon home. Aware of the problems that frequently arise due to lack of ventilation, such as damp, Cvetkovic conducted a considerable amount of research into this area and attended various seminars and expos.

After much consideration, Cvetkovic decided to incorporate a mechanical ventilation system into his new home that filters, changes and then recirculates the air, while extracting any dampness. However, to successfully seal his home, he had to verify that every component selected for the build would keep air leakage to the absolute minimum.

Repeat custom
The property’s various doors, for instance, called for a highly insulated, airtight composition. Cvetkovic required a set of doors that would be energy efficient and secure without having to compromise on style. Having installed a Hörmann garage door in his previous property, he approached the company again with his request.

Living in close proximity to Hörmann UK’s Leicestershire headquarters proved beneficial for Cvetkovic as he was able to visit the showroom to see the doors in action and find out more.

Hörmann’s insulated sectional door was specified for the new garage opening. This door is particularly well suited for integral garages where heat loss needs to be minimised. Offering low U-values, this door benefits from a 42 mm-thick polyurethane infill and includes seals on all four sides. Thanks to the wide selection of colours and finishes available, Cvetkovic was able to select a style that blended in with the contemporary look of his new home.

The property’s entrance door also had the same requirements and so the ThermoPro steel door was suggested. Offering a Ud-value (the U-value of the fitted door) of just 1.1 W/m²K, and benefitting from a 46 mm rigid steel polyurethane-filled door leaf, the ThermoPro was selected as the best solution for Cvetkovic’s energy efficient home.

The door also features multi-point locking and additional security bolts on the hinge side, making it very difficult to force open. Capable of withstanding common break-in tactics, this particular range from Hörmann is also available with Police-approved Secured by Design status.

Three further doors were required, one of which would be installed two metres below the property in an underground store. All the doors required larger openings than usual, so standard door dimensions would not have been appropriate. Hörmann, however, produces doors that are available in a wide selection of standard and special sizes, so can accommodate most openings.

Working relationship
Cvetkovic enlisted the help of garage door experts at Doorfit Products for further guidance and to safeguard an accurate installation. Working closely with the architect and builder was key to ensuring that the fitting was a success.

David Close, general manager at Doorfit Products, commented: “Our job was made easier by having access to not only the client but also his architect, enabling us to understand the vision whilst ensuring the installation and specification were practical in relation to the build. We take great pride in our role as a Hörmann dealer – it was a pleasure to be involved in such an interesting and bespoke project.”

Cvetkovic was impressed by the service provided by Doorfit Products. “The team worked quickly and efficiently, nothing was too much trouble. The doors are highly efficient and fit in perfectly with the style of our home, we’re very pleased with the end result,” he said.

The external work on the property was completed in December 2015 with just landscaping and internal work left to complete in the early part of this year.