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  • HPH397: Sheep’s wool insulation and other natural fibre options – with Mark Lynn

    HPH397: Sheep’s wool insulation and other natural fibre options – with Mark Lynn

    Mark Lynn from Eden Renewable Innovations explains how sheep’s wool insulation is made, outlines the pros and cons, and suggests how it is best specified and installed. He also shares some common traits of natural fibre insulation as a category.

    Interview with Mark Lynn

    In this episode Ben Adam‑Smith sits down with Mark Lynn, Managing Director of Eden Renewable Innovations and Chair of the Alliance for Sustainable Building Products (ASBP). Together they unpack what natural‑fibre insulation really means, why sheep’s wool insulation is gaining traction, and what homeowners and builders need to keep in mind when specifying and installing products such as Thermafleece.

    Natural fibre insulation is any building insulation made from renewable plant or animal fibres

    Mark defines natural‑fibre insulation as any product whose primary component comes from a biological source – sheep’s wool, wood fibre, hemp, jute, cotton, flax and cellulose are just some examples. These materials can be used alone or blended, and they are often processed into batts, rolls, rigid boards, or loose‑fill. Because the raw element is renewable, the embodied carbon of the product is typically far lower than that of conventional mineral or synthetic insulation.

    “Natural fibre insulation is any building insulation that’s made from or using natural fibres.”

    The variety of fibres gives designers flexibility: wood fibre offers rigidity, hemp provides high tensile strength, while wool excels at moisture regulation. Understanding the source material helps you match the product to the building’s performance goals.

    Moisture‑buffering is a unique strength of natural fibres

    At the molecular level, natural fibres carry electrical charges that attract water molecules. Rather than allowing water to pool as a liquid, the fibres hold it in a solid‑state “bound” condition. This limits the risk of mould and rot, because the water cannot act as a universal solvent that accelerates decay.

    Sheep’s wool, composed of the protein keratin, is especially adept at this exchange, absorbing humidity when the indoor air is damp and releasing it when conditions dry out. The result is a more stable indoor environment, particularly in climates where indoor humidity fluctuates dramatically.

    “When the water molecules adhere to the natural fibre the way they do, they can’t behave like a liquid.”

    Breathability is not a substitute for ventilation

    Mark cautions that a breathable fabric does not eliminate the need for a proper ventilation strategy. Inside our homes we generate moisture through our activities (showering, cooking, doing laundry, etc.) so there needs to be a constant exchange of stale air being replaced with fresh air. In Passivhaus homes, for example, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) fulfils this role. The insulation’s ability to buffer humidity is therefore an additional benefit rather than an excuse to forget about ventilation.

    Good design requires adequate ventilation, sufficient vapour openness (the ability of water vapour to pass through the material), and the inherent moisture‑buffering capacity of the fibre. When these work together, the insulation remains effective without becoming saturated.

    Condensation risks can be modelled

    Tools such as WUFI can help model moisture, taking into account climate data, wall build-ups, and internal conditions. This will then identify potential condensation risks and allow them to be addressed at the design stage. Ignoring this step can lead to interstitial condensation and the knock-on effects of mould and damp, which in severe cases could even cause structural damage.

    Three main forms of natural‑fibre insulation: flexible, rigid, and loose‑fill

    1. Flexible insulation – often supplied in slabs, batts or rolls that can be cut to size.
    2. Rigid wood‑fibre boards – medium‑density panels that can be fixed to walls or roofs, offering structural support.
    3. Loose‑fill – shredded fibres (typically recycled newspaper or fine wood) blown into cavities, ideal for irregular spaces.

    Sheep’s wool is available both as flexible batts and as rolls, giving installers the convenience of a rockwool‑style product while retaining the natural advantages of wool.

    Sheep’s wool insulation is easy to install in a loft

    We should be taking advantage of all natural fibre insulations

    When asked about how we choose a natural fibre insulation, Mark suggests that it’s actually better to support the whole category. All natural fibre insulations will have their strengths. For example, when insulating a loft a roll of sheep’s wool may be the simplest and quickest to install.

    “We’ve got to use the right type of the right resource in the right way, and that really involves a whole mix of materials.”

    The ASBP’s Natural Fibre Insulation Group publishes a comparative guide that helps architects weigh factors such as thermal performance, acoustic qualities, fire resistance, and cost. Using that data ensures the selected material aligns with the building’s functional and regulatory needs.

    The market for natural‑fibre insulation is growing

    Historically, natural fibres accounted for roughly 1 % of the UK insulation market, compared with 10–15 % in France and Germany. Since the pandemic, consumer research into health‑focused homes has accelerated adoption, and manufacturers report strong year‑on‑year growth.

    Mark predicts that reaching the 10–15 % threshold in the UK would make natural fibres a credible mainstream option, offering homeowners greater choice without sacrificing performance.

    “These aren’t quirky eco products, they are part of the insulation mix.”

    Shearing a sheep for its wool

    Manufacturing sheep’s wool insulation

    Sheep’s wool delivers acoustic performance comparable to high‑grade rockwool

    Thermafleece UltraWool, a flagship wool product, achieves the same sound‑absorption ratings as a 45 kg/m³ rockwool product, despite being only 32 kg/m³. The lower density reduces dead‑load on the structure while still dampening noise, making it a compelling option for residential lofts and office partitions where acoustic comfort is a priority.

    Fire safety is addressed through mineral fire retardants, not by claiming non‑combustibility

    All natural‑fibre products, including wool, incorporate a mineral fire retardant that encourages charring rather than rapid flame spread. While they are not classified as “non‑combustible,” they meet Part B of the Building Regulations for the intended applications.

    For projects that require a non‑combustible rating—such as certain high‑rise or public‑access buildings—additional layers or alternative materials may still be necessary.

    Insulating a barn with sheep’s wool insulation

    Cost is competitive when viewed against performance and lifespan

    Mark notes that comparing wool to a cheap fiberglass roll can be misleading. When matched against high‑performance mineral products, the price differential narrows, especially when accounting for its long life (60 + years) and the reduced need for replacement.

    A typical loft installation with Thermafleece can be completed for under £1,000, and the energy savings often recoup the investment within five years.

    A thin layer of insulation can make a big impact

    When dealing with existing buildings, for example a period property with a solid wall, a thin layer of internal insulation can make a big impact to comfort and keep costs down. It must however be a continuous layer, eliminate thermal bridges and be installed well. One advantage of this thin layer is that you’re far less likely to have moisture build-up in the fabric, but you’ll feel a noticeable benefit to the comfort of the property.

    Environmental benefits extend beyond the insulation itself

    Sheep’s wool used in insulation is often sourced from the coarse, dark fleece that has limited textile applications, turning an agricultural waste stream into a high‑value building product. The polyester binder incorporated into the rolls is made from recycled plastic bottles, further closing the material loop.

    By sequestering carbon in the keratin fibres and reducing the demand for petrochemical‑based insulation, wool contributes to lower embodied emissions and supports rural economies.

    “We’re buying a reasonable proportion of the UK wool clip… adding value to the rural economy.”

    Find out more

    Other resources mentioned

    What is a healthy building product?

    Should you specify uPVC windows?

    Introducing the circular economy to housing

    What is the problem with plastic?

    How are building regulations made?

    How natureplus helps you identify sustainable building products

    What is wood fibre insulation?

    How easy is it to insure a natural building?

    Transcript

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  • HPH396: Getting planning permission for a replacement dwelling – with Mark Doodes

    HPH396: Getting planning permission for a replacement dwelling – with Mark Doodes

    Mark Doodes from Mark Doodes Planning explains what we mean by applying for planning permission to demolish and rebuild a house, how it is done, what some of the challenges might be and how to do as much as possible to improve your chances of a successful outcome.

    Interview with Mark Doodes

    Mark Doodes is a chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute and the founder of Mark Doodes Planning. After starting his career in local‑authority planning and working on e‑planning projects during the early 2000s, he moved into private practice and, twelve years ago, set up his own consultancy. Mark combines public‑sector insight with private‑practice pragmatism, helping self‑builders and developers navigate the often‑confusing maze of UK planning policy. His experience ranges from small rural bungalow replacements to large housing‑scheme negotiations, and he is known for a clear, step‑by‑step approach that keeps clients realistic about timelines, costs, and risks.

    The planning system is a patchwork of legislation and policy

    Planning in England draws on national statutes, secondary regulations, local plans, neighbourhood plans, case law and appeal decisions. Each of these layers interacts to guide a planning officer toward either approval or refusal. Because the system pulls together many sources, it may sometimes seem confusing to newcomers. Understanding which document carries the most weight for a particular site helps focus efforts and avoids chasing dead‑ends. As Mark puts it, “the planning system is actually quite difficult to define and very difficult for neophytes to navigate.”

    Local plans dictate where development can happen

    Local plans are the primary tool councils use to allocate land for housing, industry, commerce and other uses after years of consultation and evidence gathering. These allocations are the first checkpoint for any planning proposal. Mark says that sometimes these plans will be out of date, which can add in another layer of complexity.

    Neighbourhood plans add a hyper‑local layer

    Neighbourhood plans are drafted by communities and can refine the broader local plan for a village or suburb. They may set limits on the number of new homes, design standards, or specific constraints such as preserving the character of a village. Because they sit below the local plan, they can introduce additional hurdles—or opportunities—that are invisible on a county‑wide map. A quick glance at the neighbourhood plan can reveal hidden constraints before a formal application is submitted.

    Replacement‑dwelling policies vary between councils

    Each council publishes its own guidance on how much larger a new house can be compared with the one it replaces. The wording is not prescriptive which gives decision‑makers some flexibility. This means applicants must negotiate with the council and demonstrate why a modest increase is justified.

    An extract from a planning viability study from Mark Doodes Planning

    Exercising permitted development rights can help you

    Many small alterations—side extensions, dormer windows, raising the roofline—fall under Class AA or other permitted‑development rights. Before drafting a full planning application, it pays to map out what can be done without consent. Using these rights wisely can shrink the scale of the formal proposal, improving the odds of acceptance and saving time and money.

    Staged approaches smooth the path to larger schemes

    Rather than applying for a dramatically larger dwelling in one go, breaking the project into incremental steps (e.g., first getting permission for an extension before returning with another application) often yields better outcomes. Each stage is judged against its own impact, and the cumulative effect can eventually reach the desired size or the approvals gained can be used to negotiate.

    “Going A → B → C → D has a much higher chance than jumping straight to D.”

    In most negotiations both parties stand to gain something, but as Mark points out, a planning officer may be relatively ambivalent to the outcome, just wanting the case to be concluded.

    Some ecological surveys have to be carried out at specific times

    Ecological surveys for bats, great‑crested newts and other protected species are bound to specific windows (bats May‑September, newts March‑June). Missing these periods forces delays and can push a planning schedule back by months. Early engagement with specialists ensures that required evidence arrives in time for the application, keeping the project on track.

    Outline planning permission offers flexibility with reduced paperwork

    Submitting an outline application secures the principle of development without committing to detailed designs. This can be advantageous when the exact layout is still evolving or when you want to establish if a consent will be given. The outline still requires supporting reports—transport, drainage, ecology—and is recorded publicly, creating a tradable asset that can be sold or transferred.

    Avoid short-term financing if waiting for a planning decision

    Planning timelines can stretch well beyond optimistic estimates—often 12–16 weeks for a decision, plus additional weeks for appeals if needed. So relying on short-term financing based on a promised approval can be asking for trouble and expose you to high interest if the process stalls. Mark has seen this crop up too many times before and therefore he would always advise against using bridging loans.

    Planning permission is valid for three years

    Once a full planning permission is granted, the applicant has three years to commence development. There is no statutory deadline for completion, though prolonged inactivity may trigger Section 215 powers to clean up an abandoned site. Most owners start work well before the three‑year limit and are keen to get on with their projects.

    Give the planners all the information they need

    If there is any doubt about a particular aspect of the application it is wise to preempt requests for further information by producing the relevant report ahead of time. These might include ecological reports, drainage calculations, heritage assessments, and transport impact studies, etc. Missing these can stall the process or invite objections. Providing a well‑organised application demonstrates professionalism and reduces the likelihood of back‑and‑forth queries, increasing the chance of a smooth decision.

    “Nobody gets the end of the process and says, gosh, that UK planning system was so predictable, inexpensive and consistent. No one says that! So allow plenty of time, plan for the worst case scenario.”

    Be aware that policies can change

    National policies such as the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) are updated roughly every year. A local plan that was favourable when an application was lodged may be re‑tested against a newer national framework, altering the weighting of criteria. Keeping an eye on upcoming policy revisions helps anticipate potential shifts that could affect a pending case.

    Find out more

    Mark Doodes Planning

    National Self Build & Renovation Centre

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  • HPH395: How easy is it to insure a natural building? – with Dr. James Glockling

    HPH395: How easy is it to insure a natural building? – with Dr. James Glockling

    Dr. James Glockling explains how insurance works and outlines some of the challenges of insuring a natural building.

    Interview with Dr. James Glockling

    Dr. James Glockling began his career with the Loss Prevention Council, the insurers’ hub for studying fire, security, flood and other loss‑mitigation challenges. He later deepened his expertise at the Building Research Establishment (BRE), and then worked at the Fire Protection Association before setting out on his own as a consultant. His clients are wide-ranging, including insurers and even the military, helping them build resilience and mitigate risks in high‑risk scenarios—from multi-storey apartment blocks to the confines of a submarine. His work reminds us that, regardless of setting, safety rests on the same timeless principle: robust materials and well‑designed systems protect the people who depend on them.

    In this podcast interview we discuss everything from one-off homes to high-rise, multi-dwelling projects.

    Insurance protects the individual against disaster

    Insurance began as a collective safety net, allowing many people to share the cost of rare but catastrophic events. By pooling premiums, an insurer can compensate an individual when a loss occurs, turning an unpredictable disaster into a manageable financial outcome. This principle still underpins modern home and commercial policies, even as building practices evolve. Understanding insurance as a partnership rather than a pure expense helps homeowners see it as part of responsible building.

    “Insurance was originally set up as a means of protecting people against disaster, where you levy a premium on a large group of people to protect the interests of the individual.”

    Insurers have to weigh up a variety of risks

    Underwriters assess far more than fire. They examine the building’s use, size, occupancy, and any ancillary systems such as solar panels, battery storage, EV chargers, green roofs, or underground car parks. Factors like these may have an impact, so insurers request detailed information on design, materials and mitigation measures. The broader the picture they have, the more accurately they can price a policy and set conditions.

    One-off homes should be easier to insure

    As insurers always have to think about a complete loss and rebuild, having a single smaller property is a limited loss scenario. As the scale of a building increases so does the potential loss scenario.

    Self-builders often choose to construct with timber

    Estimated Maximum Loss (EML) is a key metric for insurers

    EML is the insurer’s worst‑case estimate of loss from a single incident, expressed as a proportion of the building’s total value. For a 20‑storey tower, an insurer might assume only four floors could be completely destroyed, translating to a 20 % EML. When new construction methods make fire spread more unpredictable, insurers often raise the EML toward 100 %, which drives premiums skyward or leads to outright refusal. Demonstrating a defensible, lower EML is therefore a key part of the underwriting conversation.

    Under‑insuring is a false economy

    Many owners underestimate the true rebuild cost of their property, declaring a lower value to obtain cheaper premiums. If a total loss occurs, the payout will only cover the declared amount, leaving owners with a significant funding gap. Accurate valuation, combined with robust risk mitigation, ensures that the insurance policy truly protects the investment.

    Insurance companies may have their own specialist areas

    James says that he used to live in a thatched home and that his monthly insurance premium was what most people would pay for a year. This is because if a thatched roof catches fire then the house will be a complete loss. However, NFU Mutual have made this their specialism and are seen as the go-to provider. This is because they understand the risks, know what conditions matter and have a history in this area.

    Water damage is the most common insurance claim

    Water loss accounts for billions of pounds of damage each year and occurs far more frequently than fire. Burst pipes, roof leaks and flood ingress can rapidly degrade timber, leading to rot, mould and structural failure. Early detection systems—wireless tape sensors, automatic shut‑offs—are increasingly expected by insurers, especially for mass timber projects where hidden water would otherwise go unnoticed for months. Proactive monitoring can therefore reduce both risk and premium.

    When it comes to timber, voids present a fire risk

    As timber is combustible, the design of a building becomes crucial. Voids can allow smoke, heat, and flames to spread rapidly, bypassing sprinklers and complicating firefighter access. Mass‑timber panels (CLT, glulam) reduce voids but may be subject to smouldering, which can persist for many hours and even lead to the flames reigniting. These behaviours force insurers to demand rigorous fire‑stopping, compartmentation, and sometimes hybrid designs to keep the EML manageable.

    A self build home that used cross laminated timber

    It’s essential that fire‑stopping is correctly installed

    Every penetration—pipes, ducts, cables—in walls and floors must be sealed with a fire‑stopping material. Missing or poorly installed fire stops create pathways for flames and smoke, dramatically increasing the EML. In light‑timber frames, the sheer number of voids makes comprehensive fire‑stop inspection essential. Regular audits, preferably by a dedicated Clerk of Works, provide the documentary evidence insurers demand. This may make a boring photo collection but it will be a valuable one.

    “I haven’t been to any fire in a building where I haven’t found the fire-stopping either missing or misplaced or just absent.”

    Hybrid designs with concrete cores satisfy insurers

    In high-rise buildings, combining timber with non‑combustible elements—concrete cores, steel columns or concrete plinths—offers insurers a tangible safety buffer. A concrete core protects against fire spread, provides a stable fire‑fighter access route, and serves as a flood‑resistant base. Such hybrids offer the best of both worlds, with the carbon benefits of timber while delivering the structural and fire‑performance assurances underwriters look for.

    Take photos during construction to provide evidence of good workmanship

    Even the best design fails without quality construction. Insurers scrutinise records of on‑site inspections, photographs and sign‑offs to confirm that fire‑stops, penetrations and material installations match the approved design. A diligent Clerk of Works creates a paper trail that can be presented during underwriting and later claims, reducing disputes and speeding up payouts.

    “Evidence is everything, and if there’s a Clerk of Works properly reporting on the job as it’s put together, then that can only be of great benefit.”

    Insurers steer away from complexity

    The industry uses six categories to describe the percentage of combustible material in a building. For example, Structural‑Insulated Panels (SIPs) are often highly combustible, pushing a project into the highest risk tier. When a building lands in the 100 % combustible category, insurers typically raise premiums sharply or decline coverage. Understanding these categories lets designers choose lower‑risk assemblies or offset risk with non‑combustible cores.

    The Mass Timber Insurance Playbook is useful resource

    The Mass Timber Insurance Playbook, co‑authored by Dr. Glockling and broker Philip Callow, lists 26 features that insurers evaluate in timber projects and offers practical mitigation strategies. It is freely downloadable from the Alliance for Sustainable Building Products website and provides a clear roadmap for architects, engineers and developers.

    Increasingly AI is being used in the underwriting process

    Insurers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to analyse loss data, identify patterns and refine risk models. By feeding detailed, high‑quality information from the construction phase into these systems, builders can help shape more favourable underwriting outcomes in the future.

    Find out more

    Mass Timber Insurance Playbook – free download from the Alliance for Sustainable Building Products

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  • HPH394: Could you automate air sealing on a house build?  – with Hugh Franklin

    HPH394: Could you automate air sealing on a house build?  – with Hugh Franklin

    Hugh Franklin from Aeroseal UK explains how the airtightness of a building can be improved using a water-based, low VOC atomised polymer which is delivered when the building is pressurised. This simpler approach speeds up the process of air sealing and gives real-time feedback on the airtightness score.

    Interview with Hugh Franklin

    Hugh Franklin is the Head of Operations at Aeroseal UK, where he leads the development and deployment of the AeroBarrier airtightness system. His career began in archaeology, spending years de‑constructing historic buildings and extracting lessons about passive cooling, solar shading and other age-old strategies. Those insights sparked a shift toward eco‑construction, where he focused on scaling sustainable building practices before narrowing his expertise to airtightness over the past eight years. Today, Hugh combines his deep appreciation for traditional building wisdom with the latest technology to help builders achieve high performance homes.

    The ‘mist’ sealant automatically hones in on the leaks

    Airtightness is a key characteristic of a high performance home, but airtightness strategies can be labour‑intensive using boards, membranes, tapes, liquid paints and so on. Hugh describes how a mist of low‑VOC polymer sealant, delivered under pressure, automatically seeks out leaks and creates a uniform seal. This reduces material waste, shortens installation time, and delivers measurable improvements in the building’s air‑leakage score.

    “We create a fog, a mist of a water-based low-VOC sealant… the sealant is drawn towards those leaks by the escaping air.”

    It is possible to dial‑in the airtightness you want

    AeroBarrier is introduced into a building during a standard blower‑door test. When the building is pressurised the mist travels through any gap or crack, collides with itself and solidifies around the leak. Because the product is an acrylic polymer that is 60–80 % water, only a few litres are needed for a typical 200 m² home. The sealant does not expand; it accumulates only where airflow exists, allowing the airtightness score to be dialled down to the exact target.

    The building is carefully controlled during misting

    Everyone steps outside while the mist is applied and it doesn’t take long. Workers inside wear appropriate respiratory protection, but the low‑VOC formulation produces minimal fumes. After sealing, the space can be re‑entered within 30–60 minutes once the mist has dried, making the process practical for busy construction sites.

    “We control the space during the install, much like if you’re doing an airtightness test.”

    Long‑term durability is proven in the lab and the field

    AeroBarrier has undergone lab testing up to 5 000 Pascals (hurricane‑level pressure) and shows no degradation after 50 years of simulated ageing. Field studies report only a 1–2 % loss of airtightness over 25 years, confirming that the polymer remains flexible and effective long after installation.

    Automation works best when paired with manual detailing

    The system can seal gaps up to 10 mm. Larger openings generate a visible “white halo” during misting, signalling that manual patching is required. This hybrid approach lets builders concentrate on the biggest defects while AeroBarrier handles the multitude of smaller, hard‑to‑detect leaks.

    “AeroBarrier will try and seal that, but it will start to form a white halo around a hole that’s quite large… you can walk around the building… and find those gaps and then fill them manually.”

    Real‑time feedback turns airtightness into a visible metric

    A key obstacle in airtightness is the lack of instant performance data. AeroBarrier integrates with the blower‑door test, displaying the current ACH (air changes per hour) score on a screen as the mist seals each leak. This immediate feedback lets site teams see which details are performing well and which need attention, fostering ongoing learning and improvement.

    There is an optimal moment to apply the sealant

    For new builds, the best time to apply the mist is post‑first‑fix, after windows, glazing and major services are installed but before interior finishes. In retrofits, the building must be sufficiently sealed to become a “pressurisable box”; otherwise, the mist will escape and the process loses efficiency. Coordinating with the contractor to schedule the test at the right stage is essential for success.

    “We want the building to look as much like a porcupine as possible. Post first fix is really when we want to come in.”

    A draught-free home will deliver savings

    AeroBarrier is priced at roughly £12.50 per square metre of floor area. For a 200 m² home, material costs are about £2 500, plus labour. Hugh notes that the return on investment typically appears within three to five years through reduced heating and cooling demand, especially when moving from a standard Building Regulations home to the Passivhaus standard.

    Achieving airtightness this way requires a slightly different plan

    Hugh says that their best clients keep an open mind about the approach to airtightness. It’s much better to have a talk upfront about how to get the most out of the system. For example, setting clear tolerances early on will avoid unnecessary work (e.g., keep penetrations ≤ 5 mm for high‑performance builds). Builders, plumbers, electricians and ventilation suppliers need to understand these limits and coordinate their work to avoid unintentionally creating new leaks. Brief on‑site training and visual guides help keep everyone aligned.

    Once achieved, airtightness must be preserved

    If a great airtightness result is achieved at first fix this is not a cue to rest on your laurels. Throughout the project it’s important that everyone who is working on site understands the airtightness line. Typical mistakes might include cutting through an airtight membrane without making good afterwards. Hugh shares a couple of examples. When electricians are installing recessed lighting they might not quite have enough room so they cut through the membrane. Also when it comes to adding services, like cables, pipes and ducting, a similar problem can occur. Because the airtight layer is often invisible, any breach can dramatically reduce the airtightness of a property. Scheduling blower‑door tests at key points and encouraging a culture that reports issues without blame can help maintain a good airtightness score.

    Scaling airtightness for mass‑market housing

    Hugh believes that making airtightness cheap, fast and easy to verify is the key to bringing low‑energy homes to the broader market. By combining automated sealing with clear performance metrics, builders can deliver consistent results without needing specialist airtightness gurus on every site. The goal is to demystify airtightness, turning it from “black magic” into a routine part of construction.

    Find out more

    Aeroseal UK

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