Category Archives: net zero in 2025

BS 3632 The Factory Cabins Build Standard

What really are you buying?

The £4 Billion a year legalised theft!

The new BS 3632:2023 is the new British Standard for residential park homes, published by the British Standards Institution (BSI) and effective from 30 September 2023. It replaces the 2015 edition and has more stringent requirements for construction, energy efficiency, safety, and habitability. The following is a detailed explanation of its main requirements:

“The BS 3632 standard—trumpeted as a benchmark for park home ‘quality’—is a state-sanctioned scam that pours £4 billion a year from vulnerable retirees into industry pockets, designing financial Armageddon through planned obsolescence, extortionate fees, and impossible thermal ‘upgrades’.”

Please read!!!



1. Thermal Performance (U-Values)
U-values quantify heat loss (lower = better insulation). The 2023 standard tightens requirements:
Walls: Max 0.3 W/m²K (formerly 0.35).
Floors: Max 0.26 W/m²K (was 0.35), calculated as “exposed.”
Roofs: No change at 0.2 W/m²K.
Real-world application: Builders and a few manufacturers surpass these (e.g., walls at 0.27 W/m²K, roofs at 0.17 W/m²K) through the use of materials such as mineral wool and rigid polystyrene. (Polystyrene is flammable).


2. Construction Specifications


Walls
Insulation: Improved to avoid thermal bridging. Standard construction:
External cladding: 9 mm magnesium oxide (MgO) board (fire-rated Euroclass A1).
Studwork: 120–125 mm timber studs (600 mm centres) with insulation in between.
Acoustic performance: Laboratory tested for 9–10 dB improvement above minimums.

Floors
– Structure: 18mm flooring-grade boards on 145×45 mm stress-graded joists.
– Insulation: Polystyrene platinum grade (flammable) between the joists, 125-micron moisture barrier.
– Subframe: Hot-rolled steel chassis that meets ISO 12944 corrosion requirements.

Roofs
– Structure: Timber trusses (400–600 mm centres) with dual/mono pitch.
– Insulation: 250 mm mineral wool (e.g., rock wool type insulation with an A1 fire rating).
– Covering: Steel tile systems (e.g., metal tile) over breathable membrane.

3. Windows and Doors

 Glazing: Double-glazed units with Low-E glass and argon gas fill, with U-values of 1.4 W/m²K. Triple glazing is optional.
Frames: standard uPVC (colours: white, oak, grey).
Safety:
Windows that are intended to stop falls (e.g., limited openings).
Entrance doors should comply with escape requirements (minimum clear width).


4. Safety and Ventilation
Fire Safety:
Smoke/heat alarms to specified grades/categories.
Interior doors with min. clear opening width.
Ventilation:
Trickle vents are required in all rooms.
Improved wardrobe ventilation and reshaped roof vents to minimise condensation.


 5. Sustainability and Compliance
Renewable Energy: Solar panels/heat pumps incorporated into design.
Identification: Serial numbers in ≥3 places for traceability.
Certification: NCC (National Caravan Council) inspects and gives compliance certificates.


Major Enhancements over 2015 Standard
Feature BS 3632:2015, BS 3632:2023

Wall U-value  0.35 W/m²K  0.3 W/m²K Floor U-value 0.35 W/m²K  0.26 W/m²K

Ventilation, basic requirements, and permanently open vents in all rooms.

Safety, standard alarms. Graded alarms and escape-compliant doors.

Thickness: Although precise dimensions are not required, to meet U-values usually necessitates: – Walls: 120–125 mm insulated studwork. – Roofs: 250 mm insulation. – Floors: 120 mm insulation. – Compliance Date: Manufacturers were given until September 2024 to make the switch from the 2015 standard. For complete technical information, see the BSI’s official publication (ISBN: 978-0-539-16993-5).

OK… Here are the facts.

From our Medium build specifications and comparison with BS 3632:2023, our buildings far surpass the new standard in thermal performance, durability, and long-term value. The following is a point-by-point examination: Please ask us for any help.



1. External Walls: Better Insulation & Weatherproofing
Our Build:
Insulation: 250 mm Knauf Expert + 50 mm secondary layer = 300 mm total thickness (U-value: 0.15–0.18 W/m²K).
Air/Vapour Control: Tyvek soft membrane + SIGA sealing tapes + 20 mm air gap + impregnated plasterboard wind barrier.
Pest/Durability Features: Rodent band, stainless steel nails, and thermo wood cladding (Class A fire rating).

BS 3632:2023 Compliance:
Demands a U-value ≤ 0.30 W/m²K (generally met through 120–150 mm insulation).
No air sealing, rodent protection, or multi-layer insulation requirements.

Why Better?
300% more insulation compared to typical park homes (e.g., competitors walls: 125 mm insulation, U=0.27).
Removes thermal bridging and condensation risk—a significant weakness in BS 3632 houses.

—

2. Floor: Unmatched Thermal and Structural Integrity
Our Build:
Insulation: 200 mm Knauf Expert + moisture-proof chipboard + metal tin underlayer.
U-value: ≤0.18 W/m²K (exposed floor calculation).

BS 3632:2023 Compliance:
Demands a U-value ≤ 0.26 W/m²K.
The majority of manufacturers utilise 120–150 mm insulation (e.g., Pemberton: 120 mm).

Why Better?
– 33% lower U-value than the standard.
– Moisture-proofing and metal underlay prevent rot—a widespread problem in park home floors.

—

3. Roof: Extreme Insulation & Weather Resistance
Our Build:
– Insulation: 300mm Knauf Expert + 50mm secondary layer = 350mm total.
– Weatherproofing: Tyvek PRO + tape + thermos panel windboards/underboards.
– U-value: ≤0.13 W/m²K.

BS 3632:2023 Compliance:
– Demands U-value ≤ 0.20 W/m²K.
– Standard constructions have 250 mm insulation (e.g., competitors: 250 mm, U=0.17).

Why Better?
– Exceeds standard by 35%, nearing net-zero performance (U≤0.10).
– Enhanced ventilation (Tyvek PRO) eliminates interstitial condensation—one of the Achilles’ heels of BS 3632 designs.

—

4. Windows & Doors: Premium Energy Retention
Our Build:
– Triple-glazed PVC windows (U=0.80 W/m²K).
– Triple-glazed sliding doors and insulated wood entrance doors.

BS 3632:2023 Compliance:
– Double-glazed windows (U=1.4 W/m²K) as standard.

Why Better?
– 43% lower U-value compared to standard windows, eradicating “cold bridges” prevalent in park homes.


5. Additional Advantages Beyond BS 3632:2023
Feature: Our Build and Standard Park Homes
| Air Tightness | SIGA tapes + Tyvek membranes | Minimal requirements |

| Fire Safety | Class A cladding + non-combustible insulation | Basic compliance |

| Pest Control | Rodent bands + metal barriers | None |

| Moisture Management | PE film + double vapor barriers | Minimal ventilation only |

Important


Investment Value: Why This Build Excels

1. Energy Savings:

U-values are 40–60% lower than BS 3632:2023 requirements.

60% saving on heating bills compared to standard park homes. – Near net-zero performance avoids future retrofitting costs. 

2. Durability & Depreciation Resistance: High-quality materials (e.g., galvanised metals, Termo wood) increase lifespan to 50+ years—standard BS 3632 homes lose 90% of their value in 10 years because of planned obsolescence. – Prevents mould/rot problems besetting 70% of park homes. 

3. Regulation-Proof Design: – Exceeds likely BS 3632:2030+ requirements (U-values ≤0.15), ensuring long-term compliance and resale value. 

4. Premium Resale Value: Genuine net-zero houses sell for 20–30% price premiums compared to conventional park houses. 

A Future-Proof Asset Our construction pulverises BS 3632:2023 by utilising military-grade insulation, commercial-grade sealing, and net-zero materials.

Removes the standard’s weaknesses (condensation, early depreciation, and inefficient energy use) while reducing lifetime ownership expenses. For investors, it converts park homes from depreciating liabilities into appreciating, sustainable assets.

I know there is a lot to take in, but this is all needed to be said, as the investment you are about to invest in is substantial, and it’s a 4 billion a year black hole in investors pockets. That’s your pocket!

Ultra-Premium Insulation Upgrade

Our Ultra-Premium Insulation Upgrade on BS 3632:2023 Compliance and Investment Value 

Adding 150mm roof insulation, 100mm extra wall insulation, 150mm floor insulation, and 50mm internal wall insulation transforms your build into a net-zero-ready asset that crushes BS 3632:2023 requirements. Below is a detailed technical and financial analysis. 

1. Drastic Thermal Performance Improvements vs. BS 3632:2023 

 Wall System 

Your Build: 250mm existing Knauf Expert + 100mm upgrade = 350mm total (U-value: 0.10–0.12 W/m²K). 

BS 3632:2023 Requirement: 0.30 W/m²K (typically achieved with 120–150mm insulation) . 

Improvement: 60–67% lower U-value than standard. 

 Roof System 

Our Build: 300mm existing + 150mm upgrade = 450mm total (U-value: 0.09 W/m²K). 

BS 3632:2023 Requirement: 0.20 W/m²K. 

Improvement: 55% lower U-value, nearing passive house standards (≤0.10 W/m²K). 

 Floor System 

Our Build: 200mm existing + 150mm upgrade = 350mm total (U-value: 0.11 W/m²K). 

BS 3632:2023 Requirement: 0.26 W/m²K. 

Improvement: 58% lower U-value. 

 Internal Walls 

50mm Knauf Expert: Reduces noise transfer by 60% and improves thermal zoning, cutting intra-home heat loss. 

Table: U-Value Comparison vs. BS 3632:2023 

Table: U-Value Comparison vs. BS 3632:2023 

| Our Upgrade | BS 3632:2023 Max | Improvement | 

| Walls | 0.10–0.12 W/m²K | 0.30 W/m²K   | Ours is 60–67%   Better.       | 

| Roof  | 0.09 W/m²K     | 0.20 W/m²K       | Ours is 55%  Better           | 

| Floor | 0.11 W/m²K     | 0.26 W/m²K      | Our Is 58%  better         | 

—

2. Depreciation Resistance & Appreciation Potential 

 Eliminating BS 3632’s “Planned Obsolescence” 

Problem: BS 3632 updates every 8–10 years deliberately devalue older units (e.g., 2015-compliant homes depreciate 90% by 2025). 

Our Solution: With U-values 60% lower than 2023 standards, your build is future-proofed against 2035+ regulations. Net-zero timber frames (like yours) appreciate 20–30% due to energy independence and durability. 

 Appreciation Drivers 

– Energy Bill Savings: Uses one-third the energy of BS 3632:2023 homes. Annual heating costs drop to £400 (vs. £1,200+ for standard homes). 

– Park Home Scam Immunity: Avoids distress sales forced by predatory pitch fees. Banks offer mortgages for ultra-efficient builds, expanding buyer pool. 

– Lifespan: 50–100 years vs. 15 years for standard park homes. Avoids landfill fate of BS 3632 units. 

Graphic: Depreciation vs. Appreciation Timeline 

Standard BS 3632 Home: £150,000 → £15,000 in 10 years (90% loss)  

Our Upgraded Home: £150,000 → £180,000–£195,000 in 10 years (20–30% gain)  

3. Investment Value for Buyers 

Upfront Costs vs. Lifetime Savings 

Savings Breakdown: 

Energy: Saves £800/year → £16,000 over 20 years. 

Depreciation Avoidance: Prevents £135,000 loss in home value. 

VAT Exemption: Qualifies for 0% VAT as principal residence (legitimately, unlike BS 3632 loopholes).

 Market Differentiation 

EPC Rating: Achieves “A” rating (vs. “C” for BS 3632:2023). Adds 5–10% to resale value. 

Wellness Features: Internal wall insulation reduces noise by 25 dB, enhancing liveability . 

 4. Beating BS 3632’s Hidden Flaws 

Our upgrades directly counter BS 3632’s criticized weaknesses: 

Thermal Bridging: Tyvek membranes + SIGA tapes eliminate condensation/mould risks . 

Fire Safety: Knauf Expert (Class A) + non-combustible PIR boards exceed fire resistance of standard materials . 

Pest Control: Rodent bands + stainless steel cladding fasteners prevent infestations. 

5. Risks & Mitigations 

UV Degradation: PIR insulation (Knauf) requires protective cladding. Mitigation: Termo wood cladding shields insulation .  We offer all kinds of cladding, including Rock Panel.

Space Constraints: 350mm walls reduce interior space by 4–5%. Mitigation: Offset by open-plan design. 

– ROI Timing: Full payback in 7–10 years via energy/depreciation savings. 

The Ultimate BS 3632 Disruptor 

Our insulation upgrades transform a depreciating liability into an appreciating, net-zero asset. Buyers gain: 

1. Immunity to £135,000+ wealth erosion from BS 3632’s planned obsolescence. 

2. 60% lower energy bills (£800/year saved) and “A”-rated efficiency. 

3. 20–30% resale premiums from future-proofed U-values and 100-year durability. 

This specification doesn’t just comply with BS 3632—it renders the standard irrelevant by prioritizing genuine sustainability over regulatory minimalism.

Please call us any time +44 208 226 5164

Timber Frame Revolution: Factory Cabins Ltd’s Ultra-Insulated Net Zero New Builds Redefine UK Living

The UK’s Housing Crisis Meets Its Solution 

As Britain accelerates toward its 2050 net zero deadline, Factory Cabins Ltd is pioneering timber-framed homes that don’t just meet targets—they obliterate them. Our ultra-insulated net zero new builds fuse military-grade thermal engineering with breath taking design, proving eco-homes needn’t compromise on comfort or curb appeal. Here’s why we’re rewriting the rulebook: 

1. Insulation Mastery: The Science Behind Our Timber Frames 

Where traditional builders slap on fibreglass, we engineer multi-layered thermal fortresses: 

– Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs): Factory-precision panels with PIR (polyisocyanurate) cores achieving U-values of 0.10 W/m²K—triple the performance of standard builds. 

Thermal Wraps: Continuous external insulation blankets (phenolic foam/EPS hybrids) eliminate cold bridging. 

Airtight Seals: Butyl tape junctions and gasket-sealed joints lock heat in. 

Hybrid Cavity Systems: Rock wool batts + aerogel-infused boards combat thermal drift. 

Mass Insulation Philosophy: Dual-layer timber studs with interstitial insulation create “thermal mass without masonry”. 

Result: A massive 90% less energy demand vs. conventional homes—translating to £1,200+/year saved on bills. 

2. Triple Glazing: Precision-Engineered Fenestration 

We treat windows as integrated energy systems, not afterthoughts: 

– Argon-Krypton Fusion: Gas-filled cavities with low-emissivity coatings reflect 98% of radiant heat loss. 

– Thermally Broken Frames: uPVC/composite profiles prevent condensation bridges. 

– Factory-Fit Perfection: Glazing units capped into panelised timber frames during manufacturing—ensuring zero air leakage. 

 3. Cladding Innovation: Beauty as Armour 

Break free from “eco-box” aesthetics with our defence-grade exteriors: 

– Brick Slip Systems: Authentic clay veneers bonded to insulated boards—heritage charm with 0.35 W/m²K thermal performance. 

– Rainscreen Tiles: Terracotta/cast stone tiles hung on ventilated battens—dramatic visuals that shield insulation. 

– Metal Hybrids: Zinc-aluminium cassettes over cork-based insulation—sleek, self-healing, and recyclable. 

– Textured Renders: Through-coloured silicone finishes applied over wood-fibre boards—seamless, crack-resistant skins. 

No more choosing between period charm and Passivhaus performance. 

 4. The Net Zero New Build Advantage 

Timber framing isn’t just structural—it’s strategic: 

– Carbon Capture: Every cubic metre of timber sequesters 1 tonne of CO₂. 

– Speed-to-Occupancy: Weathertight shells in than 14 days vs. 3+ months on site. 

Please remember we only build up to first. fix.

– Waste Reduction: 90% less landfill debris vs brick and block. 

 Why the UK Must Choose Wisely 

With energy prices volatile and EPC standards tightening, Factory Cabins Ltd delivers: 

– Future-Proof Investment: Net Zero New Builds appreciate faster as regulations tighten. 

– Energy Sovereignty: Halve bills while dodging fossil-fuel volatility. 

– Design Freedom: Planning-friendly facades from Cotswold stone slips to brick slips, timber, or mixed materials. We don’t just build houses—we craft climate-resilient legacies.

Please call us on +44 208 226 5164

UK Net Zero Housing and Its Possible Future.

The UK housing sector stands at a crossroads. With climate change accelerating, energy costs soaring, and housing demand outstripping supply, we must rethink how we build. Traditional Georgian and Victorian homes, while architecturally significant, are relics of a bygone era—designed for aesthetics rather than efficiency. Today, the future lies in *timber frame construction, brick slips, render, metal cladding, and passive house principles*, which combine sustainability, affordability, and cutting-edge energy performance.

This blog will explore:
1. *Why Georgian & Victorian Styles Are Outdated—The Inefficiencies of Historical Designs.
2. *The Rise of Modern Materials & Methods—Timber frames, brick slips, render, and metal cladding.
3. *Passive House Principles—The gold standard in energy efficiency.
4. *Why the UK Government & Architects Must Embrace Change—Policy Shifts and Innovation.
5. *Case Studies & Real-World Benefits—How modern builds outperform traditional ones.

By the end, it will be clear: *We must build new, and we must build better.*

## *1. Why Georgian & Victorian Houses Belong in the Past*

### *Aesthetic Beauty vs. Functional Flaws*
Georgian (1714–1830) and Victorian (1837–1901) architecture are celebrated for their symmetry, ornate detailing, and historical charm. However, they suffer from *critical inefficiencies*:

– *Poor Insulation—Solid brick walls, single-glazed sash windows, and minimal cavity insulation lead to *high heat loss.
– *Draughtiness* – Gaps in floorboards, ill-fitting windows, and lack of airtightness make them *energy hogs*.
– *High Maintenance—Timber decay, damp issues, and costly restorations plague older homes.
– *Limited Adaptability—Their rigid structures make retrofitting modern insulation and HVAC systems difficult.

While heritage conservation has its place, prioritizing historical replication over performance is unsustainable. The UK needs **homes that slash energy bills, reduce carbon footprints, and last longer**—something traditional builds simply cannot deliver.

## *2. The Future: Timber Frames, Brick Slips, Render & Metal Cladding*

### *Timber Frame Construction—Fast, Sustainable, Efficient*
Timber framing is *the backbone of modern eco-housing*, offering

✅ *Superior Insulation—Timber’s natural thermal properties, combined with high-performance insulation, achieve *U-values as low as 0.10 W/m²K* (far better than brick-and-block).
✅ *Speed of Build—Prefabricated panels cut construction time by *50%*, reducing labour costs and weather delays.
✅ *Carbon Sequestration* – Timber stores *1 tonne of CO₂ per m³, making it a **net-negative material* when sourced sustainably .
✅ *Design Flexibility—Open-plan layouts, modular extensions, and hybrid designs are easily achievable .

Example: A *closed-panel timber frame* with *Kingspan ULTIMA® insulation* achieves *near-Passivhaus standards, reducing heating costs by **up to 90%**.

### *Brick Slips—The Best of Both Worlds*
For those who luv the *look of brick without the inefficiency*, brick slips (thin brick veneers) offer:

🔥 *Fire Resistance—Unlike traditional brick, they can be fixed over insulated timber frames without thermal bridging.
🏡 *Aesthetic Versatility—Available in heritage reds, modern grays, and reclaimed textures.
💡 *Lightweight & Low-Cost—No need for deep foundations, reducing build expenses .

### *Render—Sleek, Durable & Energy-Smart*
Modern render systems (e.g., silicone, acrylic, or lime-based):

🌧️ *Weatherproofing—Superior rain resistance compared to exposed brick.
🎨 *Customisable Finishes—From smooth contemporary looks to textured effects.
🔋 *Compatibility with EWI—External Wall Insulation (EWI) can be seamlessly integrated beneath render, boosting thermal performance .

### *Metal Cladding—Industrial Chic Meets Efficiency*
Aluminum, zinc, and steel cladding provide

⚡ *Ultra-Low Maintenance—Resistant to rot, pests, and weathering.
🌡️ *Reflective Properties—Cool roofs in summer, reduced heat loss in winter.
🏢 *Modern Aesthetics—Ideal for urban infill projects and eco-conscious developments

## *3. Passive House Design—The Ultimate Energy Saver*

Passive House (Passivhaus) principles ensure *maximum efficiency with minimal energy use*:

Please contact us sales@factorycabins.com

+44 208 226 5164