The sun porch serves many functions; storage for dirty boots and garden tools, a potting shed, and a porch which prevents draughts and warms fresh air which enters the house through an adjustable vent in the extension. The glazed side faces south east and, even in winter, the porch adds 5°C to the temperature of fresh air entering the house. The roof glazing is a single sheet of toughened glass salvaged from an old patio door. The windmill is awaiting being wired up. More on sun porches...

We wanted the garden to flow right up to the house. There is a turf roof on the extension, sown with wild flowers and local grasses, and a bed for herbs is bermed up to the level of the windows to provide extra insulation. Rain water is carried by copper gutters into a water butt for watering the garden.

The external wall of the upstairs bedrooms is faced with 75mm of expanded foam insulation, covered by lathe and render.