13 of 26© Boardworks Ltd 2008 Triple-glazed windows The windows in the Ecohouse are thick and triple-glazed. This means that they contain three panes of

1 of 26 © Boardworks Ltd 2008

Triple-glazed windows

The windows in the Ecohouse are thick and triple-glazed. This means that they contain three panes of glass with a vacuum between each.

This photograph shows the cross-section of one of the windows. The three panes are highlighted.

These windows provide much better insulation than normal single-glazed windows.

How does it compare to the windows in your house?


Insulation

The walls, roof and floor of the Ecohouse are heavily insulated to keep in the heat that is produced by the kacheloven.

Beneath the Ecohouse is a 15 cm layer of high density insulation.

The roof has 25 cm deep insulation.

Why do you think the insulation in the roof is thicker?

All the walls contain a thick layer of insulation bricks between the outer wall and the inner wall.


Thermal imaging

Thermal imaging is very useful for learning about heat flowing from and around the Ecohouse.

Thermograms representing temperature differences over a surface are made using a camera with an infra-red sensor.

The white, yellow and red areas are the warmest, so these are the worst insulated parts of the house.

The blue and green areas are the coolest, so these are the best insulated parts of the house.


Thermal imaging


The kitchen

Energy efficient appliances might be more expensive, but the energy savings they achieve quickly repay the extra cost.

In the Ecohouse, all of the appliances, including the cooker, dishwasher, washing machine, microwave and refrigerator, are designed to use as little energy as possible.


The induction cooker

An electromagnet underneath the cooker top produces an alternating magnetic field. This induces an electric current in the pot. The resistance provided by the metal of the pot to this electric current causes it to become hot.

Instead of a normal electric or gas cooker, the Ecohouse has an induction cooker.

The induction cooker is more efficient because it only heats the pan, and not the cooker top as well.

Induction hobs heat food much more quickly than standard cookers and they use only 25% of the energy.


Evaluating the Ecohouse

How does the Ecohouse compare to a standard house over the course of a year?

Conventional house

Ecohouse

Total energy costs

£52

£566

148 kg

6500 kg

CO2 emissions

As you can see, the Ecohouse costs much less to supply with gas and electricity and also produces a fraction of the carbon dioxide produced by a normal house.

Amazingly, the Ecohouse was built for the same amount of money as it costs to build a conventional house of the same size.


The Ecohouse: summary



Studying science allows you to develop a wide range of knowledge, skills and understanding.

Science qualifications are highly valued by employers and can lead to many different career pathways. There are a wide range of physics-related careers, these include:

engineering

architecture

electronics

astronomy

car design and manufacturing

communications industry

medical scanning and imaging

weather forecasting.

What is it like working in these fields?

Careers in physics


Careers in physics – eco-architect


Careers in physics – eco-architect

Dr Roaf is a scientist who believes passionately in her vocation. How do you think this affects how much she enjoys her job?

Press “play” to listen to Dr Roaf talking about her work.

Can you think of any physics-related topics that you feel passionately about? What career could you go into in this field?


Careers in physics – curator


Many science careers involve working with the public, working outdoors or from an office environment. Physics-based careers don’t always involve working in a laboratory.

Can you think of a science career you think you might enjoy?

Choosing a career in physics

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13 of 26© Boardworks Ltd 2008 Triple-glazed windows The windows in the Ecohouse are thick and triple-glazed. This means that they contain three panes of