Farmhouse renovation - suggestions wanted for extension building method and floor.

useruser

Hello All,

I own a semi-derelict farmhouse that I intend to renovate and am just beginning to consider my options. I have a couple of questions that I would love to get some feedback on if possible:

1. I will use lime plaster/render for the main building to allow the solid walls to "breathe" correctly. My question is, what materials should I consider using for the new kitchen extension that I would like to build onto the front of the house? Should I consider some modern permeable system like Poroton blocks or does it really matter with a small kitchen extension? How should I tie the extension to the main house?

2. I will need to replace the rotten wooden 1st floor, it would be nice to put in something that gives really good sound (and heat) insulation. What should I consider to achieve this?

Any suggestions would be most welcome, thanks!

A fella called fish

Are you trying to save money on an Architect/Structural Engineer?

BryanF

useruser wrote: »

Hello All,

I own a semi-derelict farmhouse that I intend to renovate and am just beginning to consider my options. I have a couple of questions that I would love to get some feedback on if possible:

1. I will use lime plaster/render for the main building to allow the solid walls to "breathe" correctly. My question is, what materials should I consider using for the new kitchen extension that I would like to build onto the front of the house? Should I consider some modern permeable system like Poroton blocks or does it really matter with a small kitchen extension? How should I tie the extension to the main house?

2. I will need to replace the rotten wooden 1st floor, it would be nice to put in something that gives really good sound (and heat) insulation. What should I consider to achieve this?

Any suggestions would be most welcome, thanks!

Existing walls: consider insulation while doing lime render, Maybe hemplime to keep on your 'hydroscopic' theme or external wall insulation with rigid mineral wool & lime finish
New build: ya poroton grand. You need to define what's important to you, as hinted at above, a good arch or arch tech will give specific advice
Tying in the extension a construction issue, and not a major one. Foundations, walls and roof connected using mild steel straps or dowels. Thermal bridging address by your arch
Timber first floor can be acoustically dealt with in several ways, there are floor separting layers, isolating membranes,composite boards etc. you should b interested in the external fabrics air-tightness and heat retention, there should be no need to insulate the first floor.
The one thing often negelcted by people in your situation is : what ventilation strategy will be employed, Will you have wall vents, window vents, mechanical Demand controlled or mechical with heat recovery?

Do employ a professional to help and do allow at least 10% contingency for the known unknowns. Best of luck

useruser

A fella called fish wrote: »

Are you trying to save money on an Architect/Structural Engineer?

Hi there,

No, I'm just gathering ideas at this stage so that I know what to discuss with an architect or engineer.

useruser

BryanF wrote: »

Existing walls: consider insulation while doing lime render, Maybe hemplime to keep on your 'hydroscopic' theme or external wall insulation with rigid mineral wool & lime finish
New build: ya poroton grand. You need to define what's important to you, as hinted at above, a good arch or arch tech will give specific advice
Tying in the extension a construction issue, and not a major one. Foundations, walls and roof connected using mild steel straps or dowels. Thermal bridging address by your arch
Timber first floor can be acoustically dealt with in several ways, there are floor separting layers, isolating membranes,composite boards etc. you should b interested in the external fabrics air-tightness and heat retention, there should be no need to insulate the first floor.
The one thing often negelcted by people in your situation is : what ventilation strategy will be employed, Will you have wall vents, window vents, mechanical Demand controlled or mechical with heat recovery?

Do employ a professional to help and do allow at least 10% contingency for the known unknowns. Best of luck

Hi Bryan,

Apologies for the late reply - for some reason I didn't get an email alert about your post and only checking back on the thread now.

Some very helpful pointers there, many thanks. I'm very interested in your comments on ventilation which I hadn't considered yet and I will research insulation a bit more also.

I will certainly employ a professional when I have a better idea myself of what I would like to do.

Thanks again.