Information

We are pleased to have supplied an innovative project called Oak Tree House with our hemp curtain panels for various room in the house, and our Natural Ivory hemp shower curtain for their bathroom. 

Oak Tree House in Knaphill, Woking, is an ordinary three-bedroom detached house that has been refurbished to show local people how they can reduce their energy use and water consumption.

Working with its energy company, ecsc, building partner, Mansell Plc, and environmental partner, Woking LA21, Woking Borough Council has created the demonstration house to act as the focal point for its Low Carbon Homes Programme, which you can read about below.

The refurbishment has been designed to minimise the environmental impact of the house and maximise quality of life. It has been furnished using sustainable materials wherever possible and is intended to show that an energy and water-efficient house can also be a welcoming, attractive and comfortable home.

Oak Tree House has three different types of insulation to reduce heat loss and has a high-efficiency boiler and heating controls to provide heat where and when it is needed. Much of the hot water required in the house will be provided by a solar hot water system that harnesses the energy of the sun, reducing gas consumption and bills still further. Energy saving lights and appliances help to reduce the amount of electricity used in the house and a solar photovoltaic system will generate electricity from the sun’s energy.

Simple water-efficient shower and tap fittings reduce water consumption and a rainwater harvesting system provides water for flushing the toilet and for taps in the garden. This system and the permeable paving on the driveway will also contribute to efforts to reduce the risk of flash flooding in the Borough.

The garden at Oak Tree House has been designed with water and energy conservation in mind, too, with drought-tolerant planting and low-maintenance wildflower turf.

Tours of Oak Tree House can now be arranged via Woking Borough Council’s energy company, ecsc, by calling 0800 783 2503.