Air Date
October 3, 2007
Episodes
10 episodes
Tommy Walsh's Eco House
Season 1
Overview
Can you build an eco-friendly home in 60 days for £60k? Builder Tommy Walsh decided to find out. Together with his building team, Walsh undertook the project in what he calls the worst summer in the past 50 years, although that might have been a good thing for what he calls the central feature of the house's eco-friendly aspect - a water harvesting tank, intended to supply water to the toilets, dishwasher and washing machine in the two-bedroom, two-storey house. Despite the deluge of rain, the team slogs on, aiming for the 60-day timeframe.
Episodes
1. Introduction
The DIY guru attempts to build an affordable eco-friendly home in 60 days with a limited budget.
2. Installing Rainwater-Harvesting Drainage System
The team installs the rainwater-harvesting drainage system, which supplies the toilets, washing machine and dishwasher.
3. Block-And-Beam Floor Delay
With the block-and-beam floor nowhere to be seen, the team tries to come up with a solution to allow the bricklayers to begin their work.
4. Damp-Proof Membrane & Thermal Blocks
To improve the house's energy efficiency, a damp-proof membrane is laid to prevent heat loss and thermal blocks are used instead of concrete increasing, the house's thermal efficiency.
5. First-Floor Joists & Timber Frame Roof
The joists for the first floor are installed along with the timber frame that forms the basis of the roof. And the team try to eat doughnuts without licking their lips.
6. Polyurethane Wall Insulation
Polyurethane wall insulation is added, and the team considers installing supportive wooden pegs called 'nogs'.
7. Roof Slates & Solar Panels
The roof slates and solar panels are fitted to the house, and the team learns the property will be the most energy-efficient in the Fens.
8. Exterior Cladding & Under-Floor Heating
The house starts to take shape as the exterior cladding is fitted and the under-floor heating is installed.
9. Rooms Boarded & Special Water Tank
The rooms are boarded in preparation for plastering, and a special water tank becomes the latest environmentally friendly addition to the project.
10. Completing The Project
With the deadline looming, there's still a lot to do. Tommy and the team work on the fitting the staircase, tiling, electrics and plumbing in a bid to complete the project.
