So.... now the dust has settled on the build ( both figuratively and actually), it's time to look back to post 199 where I laid out the design considerations, to see what has been achieved and missed
What i posted in post 199...
1. As you know from my earlier posts, we wanted a traditional-looking construction, but with modern building practises employed. Therefore, the construction will be block and cement, with plank and slab flooring, rendered and painted walls on the ground floor, clad on the upper floor
Check! I think we can agree that PJ and I have a traditional-looking structure following some of the designs of Lanna and Ayutthaya buildings of long ago.
Heat Reduction
2. To help in heat reduction we will use Q-Con (or similar) block wall construction
Check! We used Q-Con throughout, both on external 150 mm and internal 100 mm thick walls.
3. similarly, heat reflection under the roof tiles
Check! We put insulation under all the roofs, and a second insulation layer above the ceilings.
4. air flow-through in the roof void to remove the hot air
Check! there are screened louvred openings at each end of each gable, to allow natural air flow which will remove any hot air build up. We still have the powered fan option if needed but so far all is good.
5. large roof overhangs to keep the sunlight out of the windows
Partial!We have it on the upper floors and of course, windows and doors under Zone 2 ground floor, but not over the downstairs windows. We will assess the need once in permanent residence.
6. not excessively large windows - in keeping with tradition and higher up on the wall.
Check! Windows are in proportion, in keeping with the old construction style. Maximum 1m wide only.
7. some cathedral-style roofs on the upper floor. All ceiling height is already 3m but I hope to add 1-1.5m of additional clearance upstairs by raising those upper floor ceilings, thus lifting any warm air even higher from the living space
Partial! not full cathedral ceiling but an extra ceiling recess of 0.8-1.0M in some rooms to maximise the heat uplift effect. Rooms are are already minimum 3m tall.
8. Matched A/C throughout based on room volumes and hopefully cooler starting point.
Check! Liaised with the Daikin Rep to specify the units based on room volumes, glass area, over-hangs, Q-con blocks etc. Units are linked on the internet and controllable remotely eg when travelling home, we can turn them on in readiness for our arrival.
9. investigating options with heat-reflective glass for the windows and folding patio doors
No...not this one!! We looked but in the end did not follow it through. Pilkington K-glass, et all was bypassed. Green tint only!
Water Conservation
10. use of rainwater harvesting to reduce reliance on other sources, and cut some long term running costs
No...not this one!! ...but in the future we still can. No guttering is fixed at present but it will come. At that time we will re-visit this one.
11. use of grey water for irrigation. along with any rain harvesting excess
Partial! The system is not complete but the separate lines have been fitted to channel the grey water away from the septic tank. It currently passes through the grease trap them joins the black water line further along but... there is provision for the tank and distribution later on.