What makes a Second Space
a ‘high performing’ space?
“High Performance”
We say this phrase quite often at Second Spaces.
It’s how you’d describe an athlete when you see them compete. Or what you think of when a beautiful car drives past, the gentle hum of the engine almost emitting the sound of high-performance.
For us, it’s about designing and constructing dwellings that leave a lasting impression on their inhabitants. Both functionally, in terms of the healthy environment they enable, but also emotionally, in terms of the feeling you’re left with after occupying them.
We create high-performing dwellings through a few different methods...
-
The structures are built using structurally insulated panels which are two outer layers of Oriented Strand Board (OSB) encasing a thick Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) core. Compared to traditional construction methods this provides a continuous layer of insulation.
Our SIPs panels are 215mm of insulation on the roof and floor (R5.8) and 115mm of insulation on the walls (R3.26). -
We exceed best practice when it comes to air & weather tightness.
We use Proclima’s industry leading weather resistant barriers (WRB). These barrier acts as a water and vapour diffusion (inside out) preventing interstitial condensation and water and vapour repellent (outside in). The process requires meticulous attention to detail.
All of these processes and systems are substantiated with a blower door test, which comes standard from Second Spaces with the certificate of occupancy. -
True high-performance windows should deliver on four key areas:
Thermal efficiency
Airtightness
High-security locking systems
Sound insulation
Our windows come double-glazed as standard, with U-values between 1.5 and 1.7.
Frames are crafted from non-conductive materials like timber and uPVC, offering superior thermal performance compared to standard aluminum frames.
Opening windows and doors feature double gaskets that seal like a fridge door—no cold drafts in winter.
With up to 44dB sound reduction, noisy traffic and loud neighbors become a thing of the past.
-
Put simply, we reduce the weak points in our structure where heat can escape. Creating an optimal internal temperature all year round.
This is achieved through:
Steel Free Construction
Windows are set within the insulation barrier (meaning that the building maintains one continuous layer of insulation).
Materials selected minimise heat conduction
-
Basically, a fresh supply of air is constantly being circulated through the space via the HRV (heat recovery ventilation system). This is a necessary system due to the other measures we've taken to reduce any weak points of the structure that prevent heat from escaping.
The benefits include improved air quality, reduction of allergens and mitigates mould.
Performance:
Design and performance work in partnership, not in opposition. Efficiency doesn’t need to come at a cost to design.
Healthy Environment & Optimal Living:
Our performance principles & systems combine to create a healthy living environment that reduces allergens, promotes air quality & comfort and extends the longevity of the dwelling.
Practical implications include:
Comfortable temperature all year round. Warm in winter, cool in summer.
Sound pollution is minimised (by up to 44dB). So loud traffic and noisy neighbours are a thing of the past.
An air tight space prevents cold drafts from ruining your evening, or cool air escaping on hot summer nights.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Ultimately it is dependent on your property. In most cases, due to recent changes to government regulations, dwellings under 60 square metres do not require planning permissions. Our town planning team can assist you with this and will advise what is required at no added cost to you.
-
The end-to-end process takes approximately 6-9 months*
This is broken into three phases:
1-2 months of pre-construction, design and compliance work
Material procurement (typically a 2-3 month lead time)
Construction phase can then take from 1-4 months depending on complexity of the design.
*Build time is also dependent on the quantity of existing projects we have in progress and when we are able to commence a new project.
-
We will try to accommodate customisations, however each request will be assessed on a case by case basis. The best way to find out more is to get in touch and one of the team will be able to help you.
-
High-performance dwellings are designed to create thermal comfort with minimal heating or cooling. We achieve this in our designs by leveraging passive house principles:
Thermal Insulation
Air and weather tightness
High Performance, windows & doors
Thermal bridge free construction
Mechanical Ventilation & Heat Recovery
Click here to find out more.
-
Our Spaces were purpose built to run off grid. Being a high performing structure, it requires very little energy to run on.
We offer a full off grid package with all of our designs.
Get in touch with the team to find out more.
-
Yes we do. For cost estimates please get in touch with the team.