Beam and block for ground floor construction has its plus points but one issue is rarely mentioned - vermin infestation into the void below the floor structure. Access for vermin is through the service entry points that are never adequately sealed. Also, I notice that contrary to good practice, you do not have an oversite concrete slab under the floor that provides a good working platform to keep the construction clean and to ultimately discourage any vegetation growth. (scraping the site does not prevent vegetation seeds and cuttings being imported especially in your quagmire.) I also specify beam and block for first floor construction especially where there is underfloor heating and the requirement for acoustic performance. Be aware that the blocks can get damaged and crack on building sites after installation and before the finishes go on. Before the insulation is laid the whole floor should be inspected for defects as a slipped block may cause problems down the line.
Nicely done!! Interested that your block & beam floor has no air vents in the exterior walls. I can see this would be necessary for a traditional timber floor but you have opted not to fit air bricks. Are air vents required by building regs? Can't see the point of them for B&B ground floors! Interested in your view!
Great video and I'm sure it's one of the few which shows "traditional" UK brick and block methods build for passive house. I wish there was more details as how you achieved air tightness and size of insulation used. I have just started my self build in rainy Lancashire with facing brick -block and then internal studed wall to make it super NRG efficient. I'm aiming for passivehouse standards inshallah.
Yes, this is just a blog style video but you might be interested to look at some of the drawings - www.houseplanninghelp.com/205. Click on the drawings to get a better resolution (so you can read the notes!).^Ben
Apologies, that was always the intention but it ended up taking up too much time and energy. We did make a number of podcasts about the build which are linked here - www.houseplanninghelp.com/235. We also produced 20 videos for our Hub members - hphhub.com/. But yes, I don't think we'll be getting back to the vlog on RUclips. Apologies again. ^Ben
Yes, we're slacking a bit! We'll try to get it next week. There's loads of footage in the can as the build is nearing completion (in real time). It will get edited. Keep on my case, please! ^Ben
Hi Ben. I'm looking to do a self build myself and I'm very grateful for the videos. Hope you don't mind me asking, but what is the square meter or square foot of your build and what is your budget? Thanks again.
It's a floor area of 226 square metres. Our build cost is going to come in at around £550,000. If you want more detail, check out this post - www.houseplanninghelp.com/207 ^Ben
ANTONIOS Hi block and beam is normally designed for ground floor installation Unless the additional floors have been designed to take the massive weight load
It can certainly be used for first and second floors, etc. That said, you need to be sure the building can support the weight of all the concrete beams and blockwork. ^Ben
Great info on block and beam floor construction. Thanks!
Beam and block for ground floor construction has its plus points but one issue is rarely mentioned - vermin infestation into the void below the floor structure. Access for vermin is through the service entry points that are never adequately sealed. Also, I notice that contrary to good practice, you do not have an oversite concrete slab under the floor that provides a good working platform to keep the construction clean and to ultimately discourage any vegetation growth. (scraping the site does not prevent vegetation seeds and cuttings being imported especially in your quagmire.)
I also specify beam and block for first floor construction especially where there is underfloor heating and the requirement for acoustic performance.
Be aware that the blocks can get damaged and crack on building sites after installation and before the finishes go on. Before the insulation is laid the whole floor should be inspected for defects as a slipped block may cause problems down the line.
Thanks for your comments. We've not had any problems with vermin yet. Where would they get in? The air gaps are tiny. ^Ben
Great Videos, well explained for someone looking for a greater understanding of the building process.
Good explanation - like the diagram of how beams and block interface with the inner skin etc
Nicely done!! Interested that your block & beam floor has no air vents in the exterior walls. I can see this would be necessary for a traditional timber floor but you have opted not to fit air bricks. Are air vents required by building regs? Can't see the point of them for B&B ground floors! Interested in your view!
Great video and I'm sure it's one of the few which shows "traditional" UK brick and block methods build for passive house.
I wish there was more details as how you achieved air tightness and size of insulation used.
I have just started my self build in rainy Lancashire with facing brick -block and then internal studed wall to make it super NRG efficient.
I'm aiming for passivehouse standards inshallah.
Yes, this is just a blog style video but you might be interested to look at some of the drawings - www.houseplanninghelp.com/205. Click on the drawings to get a better resolution (so you can read the notes!).^Ben
That is fascinating- so different from every foundation type I have seen in North America. I wonder what explains the difference?
It's just one of many foundation types we use! ^Ben
Will you keep this series of vligs going?
Im looking to self build in Hertfordshire in September if all goes well.
Apologies, that was always the intention but it ended up taking up too much time and energy. We did make a number of podcasts about the build which are linked here - www.houseplanninghelp.com/235. We also produced 20 videos for our Hub members - hphhub.com/. But yes, I don't think we'll be getting back to the vlog on RUclips. Apologies again. ^Ben
Is there anymore videos on this build?
Great production - when are you uploading episode 3 showing the dpc and walls going up?
Yes, we're slacking a bit! We'll try to get it next week. There's loads of footage in the can as the build is nearing completion (in real time). It will get edited. Keep on my case, please! ^Ben
Hi Ben. I'm looking to do a self build myself and I'm very grateful for the videos. Hope you don't mind me asking, but what is the square meter or square foot of your build and what is your budget? Thanks again.
It's a floor area of 226 square metres. Our build cost is going to come in at around £550,000. If you want more detail, check out this post - www.houseplanninghelp.com/207 ^Ben
where is the enxt video?! this is a really good series, please continue but with a bit more technical descriptive attention to details thanks! x
Yes, apologies. It was a bit more work than we anticipated... and the moment has passed now. Sorry. ^Ben
thanks for the Video - is the architect project managing the build ? I'm just about to start building in the new year so interested in your thoughts.
Yes, we went for a full package from the architecture firm. It makes life easier... but you obviously pay for the privilege. ^Ben
The space below the slab remains hollow?
Yes, sealed off to wildlife and ventilated with a few air bricks.
No rebar in the strip footing??
Yes, I think you're correct.
What kind of block is that. It looks very light, is it air-create?
Yes, it is an aircrete block with a very low thermal performance (maximum block thermal conductivity 0.18W/m²K). ^Ben
Thanks for the video. I am in the process of buying a building, but the roof has woodworm. Can beam and block be installed for the attic floor?
ANTONIOS
Hi block and beam is normally designed for ground floor installation
Unless the additional floors have been designed to take the massive weight load
It can certainly be used for first and second floors, etc. That said, you need to be sure the building can support the weight of all the concrete beams and blockwork. ^Ben
What poor management.