Why it is special
Blink House aims to make zero carbon realistic for mass housing. Built in a three-floor ‘stack’ of blocks, with integrated garaging, it is designed to have views on all sides but not overlook its neighbours.

How it is built
Timber frame and structural insulated panels (SIPS) – highly insulated, modular panels that are quick to assemble on site. Outside ‘skin’ can be made from brick, timber or aluminium.

Eco features
Super-insulated, with shutters over the windows allowing changes in thermal performance. Built on a hypocaust base which copes with flooding and increases the thermal mass of the building (always an issue with timber-framed buildings that can otherwise quickly reach extremes of hot or cold). Solar roof panels account for 80 per cent of hot water needs. Option of a biomass
(wood-fired) boiler for central chimney.

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