Technical Information for Your HebHome

At a glance

HebHomes fabric-first designs pair high-performance envelopes with low-energy services:

  • Fabric: CPS closed-panel (Sigma® II) as standard; SIP option available. Typical U-values: walls 0.13–0.16 W/m²K, roof ≈0.12 W/m²K, floor ≈0.15 W/m²K.

  • Airtightness & ventilation: low infiltration detailing with whole-house MVHR (summer bypass, humidity/boost control).

  • Heating & hot water: air-source heat pump (ASHP) as the common solution; zoning, weather compensation and insulated pipework.

  • Openings: high-performance timber/aluminium-clad windows (typ. Uw ~1.2 double; triple-glazing upgrades to ~0.7); solar-reflective options for large south glazing.

  • External finishes: slate or metal roofs; render or timber cladding; all detailed for exposed locations.

  • Compliance & testing: air-test to BS EN ISO 9972; smoke/heat/CO detection to current British Standards.

  • Assurance: CPS (Sigma® II) is BOPAS+ & BBA approved with robust 60-year durability guidance; 10-year structural warranties available.

Reviewed by Alasdair Stephen, Managing Director, and Neil Stephen RIAS, Director.

Common Questions

What is the difference between CPS and SIP construction?

CPS (Closed-Panel, Sigma® II) is a factory-finished double-stud wall with blown-fibre glass wool, service zone and membranes integrated for rapid erection, deep cavities (≈235 mm) and excellent thermal bridge performance. It carries BOPAS+/BBA approval and targets ~0.13–0.15 W/m²K walls.

SIP uses OSB skins around a rigid polyurethane core. Our standard SIP wall build-ups typically achieve ~0.16 W/m²K with additional insulated plasterboard and internal VCL/service battens to match CPS performance.

In practice: CPS reduces follow-on trades (factory-fitted membranes/service cavity) and limits cold bridges; SIP offers fast shell assembly but requires more internal follow-on works to equal CPS fabric levels.

Are HebHomes Passivhaus-certified?

Not by default. We aim for very low energy use via low U-values, airtightness and MVHR, but we don’t certify every home to Passivhaus. Reasons include design freedom (e.g., view-led glazing), site context and client budget. If your brief prioritises PH targets, we can align early on orientation, glazing ratios, thermal bridge details and airtightness testing to approach those metrics.

What insulation does HebHomes use?

CPS walls use hydrophobic blown glass-wool in a deep double-stud cavity. Glass-wool is mineral-based (not oil-derived), recyclable, and typically offers lower embodied carbon than PUR/PIR rigid foams—while delivering excellent thermal and acoustic performance.

SIP cores are closed-cell polyurethane; to match CPS U-values they need additional insulated linings and an internal VCL/service zone.

What U-values can a HebHome achieve?
  • Walls: CPS ≈0.13–0.15 W/m²K; SIP spec example ~0.16 W/m²K.
  • Roof: ~0.12 W/m²K with SIP roof cassettes/insulated build-ups.
  • Floor slab: ≈0.15 W/m²K typical build-up.
  • Windows: ~1.2 W/m²K double, upgrades to ~0.7 W/m²K triple available.
How are airtightness and ventilation managed in a HebHome?

We detail for low leakage and test to BS EN ISO 9972. Whole-house MVHR is strongly recommended: it recovers heat, filters air, reduces humidity and includes summer bypass and humidity/boost controls. Design and commissioning are by certified installers; controls via panel or app.

What is the best way to heat a HebHome?

ASHP (air-to-water) is our common solution feeding underfloor heating and a hot-water cylinder, with zoning, weather compensation and insulated pipework to BS 5422. Installers are MCS registered; systems are commissioned with handover information. Towel rails/rads supplement wet zones as needed.

Can a HebHome include solar panels and battery storage?

Yes—PV is commonly integrated and can be paired with battery storage to reduce grid demand and running costs. MVHR + ASHP + PV is a proven route to low operational energy. (Your energy designer will size arrays and advise export tariffs; we coordinate roof layouts and penetrations.)

Which windows and external doors are available?

High-performance timber frames with optional aluminium cladding for durability in exposed sites; standard finishes (e.g., RAL7016) with alternative colours at no cost change. Upgrades include triple glazing (~0.7 W/m²K) and solar-reflective coatings for south-facing areas.

Which roofing and cladding options suit exposed sites?

Roofs: standing-seam aluminium or slate, both detailed to relevant British Standards and good practice guides; correct fixings, ventilation and flashings are essential.

Walls: timber rainscreen or render over block. Timber (open or closed joints) weathers to a silver tone with minimal maintenance if left untreated.

How does a HebHome address sound insulation and fire safety?

Partitions include acoustic rolls; floors receive acoustic insulation; lining and roof/partition build-ups use rated boards (e.g., 15 mm plasterboard ceilings). Integrated, mains-linked smoke/heat/CO alarms are installed and certified to current British Standards.

How are drainage, water efficiency and hot-water safety addressed?

Drainage is designed/installed to the relevant BS/EN standards with rodding access and AAVs as required. We specify water-efficient fittings (e.g., 4.5 L average dual-flush WCs, 6 L/min basin taps) and scald-protection via thermostatic mixing valves; unvented cylinders are installed/labelled by a competent person.

How sustainable is a HebHome?
  • Timber structure with high pre-manufactured value cuts waste and sequesters carbon.
  • CPS insulation is mineral glass-wool (not oil-based), with deep cavities for low U-values without heavy foam reliance.
  • Low energy systems: ASHP + MVHR + PV options minimise operational energy; controls and zoning further reduce demand.
  • Quality assurance: BOPAS+/BBA approvals and air-testing help ensure long-term performance.
What certification supports mortgages, warranties and insurance?

CPS (Sigma® II) holds BOPAS+ and BBA approvals; our builds proceed with a recognised 10-year structural warranty and statutory compliance. Many lenders are familiar with our systems and stage-payment approach.

What is the typical build-up of a HebHomes SIP wall and roof?

SIP wall (example): insulated plasterboard + service void + internal VCL, 150 mm SIP, external breather + battens + timber cladding  →  ~0.16 W/m²K.

SIP roof (example): standing-seam metal on plywood & battens + underlay + 175 mm SIP + internal VCL + service void + insulated plasterboard  →  ~0.12 W/m²K.

Helpful extras

Spec & drawings: Ask us for a sample outline specification and fabric build-ups for your chosen model.

Costing tools: Use our Estimate of Cost spreadsheets to plan cashflow and stage payments alongside your lender.

Roof & cladding guides: See our metal roofing do’s & don’ts and timber cladding notes before you appoint trades.

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