Beauty is sustainable
As you would expect, we are very careful about selecting the best quality materials and components for our buildings. This includes making sure that all of the materials and processes we use are environmentally responsible.
Naturally, we insist that all of our timber comes from sustainable forests.
Roomworks garden rooms are insulated by using either sheep’s wool or Eco-therm rigid polyisocyanurate (PIR) – these are among the most efficient and effective means of minimising energy loss from buildings.
Eco-therm PIR boards hold the following environmental credentials:
- CFC and HCFC free
- Zero ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential)
- GWP (Global Warming Potential) factor of 3 (comfortably surpassing the target of 5)
Use of concrete is minimised in our foundation systems which include plinths or micro-piles, both of these reduce the amount of concrete used by as much as 80%.
Doors and Windows
If you are using your garden room as an office, the chances are you will have some expensive computer equipment. Even as a garden gym or hobby room you will want to keep intruders out and your valuables safely locked away inside!
Our doors and windows not only keep the warmth in they are just as effective at keeping unwanted visitors out. High security locks and catches are fitted as standard on all of our rooms whatever size and specification you choose.
Foundations
The choice of foundation system is dependent on the size of the building, ground conditions, lie of the land etc. We evaluate this during the design process and if necessary consult our structural engineer.
Generally, we use either a purposed designed adjustable plinth system or micro – piles. Both of these are very efficient and ‘clean’, minimising the need for concrete, which is very bad for the environment.
We do not require you to lay a base or remove an existing one. We will assess an existing slab to establish whether or not it is robust enough to form part or all of the foundation.
Walls and Floors
SIPs or structural insulated panels is one of the most advanced building systems available today. Capable of exceeding increasingly stringent building regulations it is fast, cost effective and environmentally friendly. This forms the core of the wall construction.
As you will have read else where on this website we have also used sheep’s wool and this is something we are looking to develop further for some of our buildings..
On the outside, our walls are clad in western red cedar, an obvious choice for contemporary building design. Its beautiful reddish gold colour and straight grain, gradually turns to an attractive silvery finish as it ages.
Our supplier is at the fore-front of the campaign for global, forest stewardship. The cedar is tracked from the forest, all the way to the customer to ensure that it comes from a certified sustainable source.
One of the most durable timbers available, Red Cedar is also one of the lightest – Its low density and high proportion of air spaces also makes cedar the best thermal and acoustic insulator of all the commonly available softwoods.
It is also highly resistant to warping shrinking, decay and insect attack due to naturally occurring fungicidal acids in the wood.
Cedar can be left untreated and will still last for many years – good news for the environment and for those of us who are looking for easy maintenance.
Roof
EPDM is very efficient and durable roofing material. We are approved contractors for this system and have many years experience across a wide range of installations. We use an EPDM membrane to ensure the very highest level of waterproofing.
A living roof system behaves like a cushion protecting the EPDM membrane from wind, UV light and direct heat from the sun. This more than doubles its life expectancy. Because of this, the waterproof membrane’s life expectancy is increased.
Energy savings can be significant.
An extensive green roof system such as sedum requires little or no maintenance and looks beautiful all year round, changing with the seasons.
There are many environmental benefits: Air quality, bio-diversity, energy conservation, reduced surface water run-off and even improved health.
A living roof has wide ranging benefits. Its natural beauty is particularly effective when roof areas are looked down onto from bedrooms, including neighbouring properties. It can also have a very positive impact on your gardens eco-system, attracting bees and butterflies!
Roomworks install a ready grown living quilt containing a beautiful mix of around 15 different varieties of sedum and meadow flowers. This means you can enjoy all the benefits of your new living roof right from day one.
Skylights such as Velux can easily be incorporated into a living roof.
All our roof systems come with a 20 year guarantee.