Keeping out the cold and damp

Barden House is being built to the highest insulated standards, and this can be seen in the construction of the ground floor.

Some of the layers under the ground floor. 

Firstly the stone is compacted to the correct level,  using a vibrating plate.

Last chance to install any services that will connect into the building from under the ground.

Next a layer of sand is put over the compacted stone, known as the "blinding layer". This will stop any sharp stones making a hole in the waterproof membrane. The green insulating board can be seen on the outside. 

The water proof membrane is then laid and any holes made around pipes are carefully taped up to keep it water proof.

Then the insulating boards are laid down with a compressible layer around the edge to allow for thermal expansion.

A steel reinforcement mesh is laid on top of the insulating boards to complete the preparation. 

In the next few days finally concrete will be placed to form the ground floor slab. This needs dry weather.