Frequently Asked Questions
What about fire resistance
Stommel Haus houses have a so called F value of 30, i.e. it withstands fire for at least 30 minutes and therefore fulfils building regulations requirements. Independent tests have shown that in fire timber outperforms other structural materials such as steel or concrete. Instead of buckling and collapsing in the extreme heat, timber chars in a fire at a predictable rate allowing a slow and controlled loss of structural integrity, thus providing time to evacuate people and important papers.
And, did you know that the roof of the largest single span aircraft hanger at Charles DeGaulle airport in Paris is constructed using timber beams - for the above reasons?
Fire Insurance
The Stommel houses have a fire resistance like any other building with an F value of F=30. This indicates the amount of time in minutes the structure has to withstand fire.
Even when catching fire, the outside of the wood would char, but the beams will not loose their stability for quite a while. Insurance companies will check the fire resistance values (in case of the Stommel house F=30) and ensure your timber house for no more money than a brick building.
What is the life expectancy of my Stommel house?
A Stommel Haus can live forever, provided it is positioned correctly on its bottom slab (we take care of that) and maintained properly (you should take care of that).
Some of the oldest timber houses in Europe were built in the 12th and 13th century.
Did you know that a Stommel Haus home is a wonderful place to be in the heat: Highly insulated and fitted with an air source heat pump which can cool the house if required with temperature adjustment in each room. Contact us to find out more.
Energy efficient heating with heat pumps
If you choose to have a fully fitted house we will install under-floor heating on all storeys, downstairs and upstairs! Our standard heating system is a high quality air source heat pump from Waterkotte. Waterkotte is a German premium manufacturer (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZPXW646muA for more information about Waterkotte and. The efficiency of the air source heat pump is unrivalled.
Clients can also opt to have a ground source heat pump or biomass boilers installed.
