CONSTRUCTION

SUPERIOR CONSTRUCTION FOR A HAWKSBECK ANNEXE

At Hawksbeck Annexes, we’ve dedicated years to perfecting the construction of our beautiful annexes.

Working closely with top structural engineers, architects, and industry-leading manufacturers, we’ve developed unrivalled expertise in creating the most exceptional garden annexes. That’s why our annexes are simply the best on the market.

They not only surpass building regulation standards but also offer complete habitability, giving you a comfortable and stylish living space, whether that is for elderly parents or guests and other relatives.

With a remarkable 10-year warranty and a minimum life expectancy of 60 years, you can trust in the durability and longevity of our annexes, making them the perfect investment for your home.

What are building regulations?

Whether you’re planning to use your annexe as an extended living space or for people to sleep in, building regulations are required by law to keep you and your loved ones safe.

All Hawksbeck annexes are built to building regulation standards for peace of mind. Plus, by following these regulations, we help to improve fuel and energy conservation, protect the environment, and promote sustainable development.

The importance of building regulations

We take building regulations seriously to ensure that you and your family’s safety, health, and comfort are always our top priority.

We understand that our clients may want independent inspection for their peace of mind, which is why we coordinate with building inspectors to achieve approval on your behalf. Our annexes exceed the standard regulations for design, construction, and alterations to virtually every building.

Hear From Our Construction Manager, Callum

Building regulations for garden annexe construction
garden annexe construction methods

Structural Strength and Durability

At Hawksbeck, we know that your annexe needs to be built to last, providing you with a durable and reliable space for many years to come.

That’s why all our annexe designs are carefully assessed by our team of experienced architects and structural engineers who prioritise safety, strength, and durability.

We understand the importance of meeting building regulations, and that’s why we include detailed structural drawings and calculations as part of the Building Regulations application.

We want our clients to have peace of mind, knowing that every aspect of their annexe has been signed off and built to the highest standards.

Foundations you can trust

When it comes to the foundations of your annexe, we work closely with building control and our structural engineer to ensure that we install the right foundations for your specific requirements.

Considering factors such as soil conditions, the slope of your garden, and proximity to trees, we design foundations that minimise disruption to your garden and the environment.

Furthermore, our foundations undergo thorough inspection and sign-off by a building control inspector, ensuring their stability and safety.

Vapour control layer

Protecting your annexe from moisture damage is crucial to its long-term structural integrity. That’s why all Hawksbeck annexes feature a vapour control layer in the form of foil-backed plasterboard.

This layer acts as a barrier to reduce the flow of moisture into and through the walls, roof, or floor, preventing damaging condensation that can lead to timber decay.With our vapour control layer, you can be confident that your annexe will remain in top condition for the years ahead.

Breathable membrane

At Hawksbeck Annexes, we understand the importance of maintaining a healthy and moisture-free environment within your annexe. That’s why we incorporate a high-performance breathable membrane that wraps around the exterior Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) of your annexe.

This membrane sits behind the external cladding, effectively preventing moisture from entering the main structure while allowing any moisture generated within the annexe to escape. With our breathable membrane system, you can enjoy a comfortable and dry space year-round.

Cladding airflow

Proper airflow is essential for the longevity of your annexe’s timber cladding. That’s why at Hawksbeck Annexes, we use a double battening system for all our cladding, both vertically and horizontally.

This ensures optimal airflow in the cavity, allowing moisture to escape and preventing any potential issues. With our meticulous attention to detail, your annexe will remain in prime condition, free from dampness and decay.

Thermal bridging

Hawksbeck Annexes are constructed using SIPs, which have an insulated core that virtually eliminates thermal bridging.

Unlike traditional timber frame studs, our SIPs provide exceptional thermal efficiency, minimising the transfer of cold spots and preventing dampness.

With our innovative construction methods, you can enjoy a comfortable and energy-efficient annexe, suitable for year-round use and living.

Insulation that keeps you comfortable year-round

At Hawksbeck, we understand that the insulation of your annexe is crucial to its overall comfort and usability, regardless of the weather outside.

Our SIPs, or Structurally Insulated Panels, provide exceptional insulation that outperforms other building methods in thermal and structural categories. This is because the insulation is built into the construction of the annexe, rather than added on afterwards.

Our insulated annexe design achieve exceptional thermal performance and u-values, drastically reducing your heating and energy bills and keeping you warm all year.

This makes a Hawksbeck insulated annexe a truly environmentally friendly option, providing an energy-efficient space for you to enjoy year-round.

To illustrate the thermal performance of our super-insulated annexe design, we have provided a U-value table below. The lower the U-value, the more slowly heat can transmit through it, resulting in better insulation performance.
AREA
Roofs
Walls
Floor
HAWKSBECK
0.15
0.18
0.18
CARAVAN ACT
0.20
0.35
0.35

Fire Regulations

When it comes to creating an annexe space, fire safety is of utmost importance, especially as they are habitable spaces. That’s why at Hawksbeck, we go above and beyond in ensuring that our annexes meet the highest fire regulations.

According to the regulations, any building located within 1 meter of a boundary needs to be constructed using non-combustible materials. That’s why we use cutting-edge materials like Master board and fireproof plasterboard in all our fire applications.

But fireproofing is not just about using individual elements with Class A1 fire resistance. It’s about creating a comprehensive system within the wall build-up. At Hawksbeck Annexes, we understand this critical aspect.

In addition to Master board and Fireproof plasterboard, we use Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) made from OSB3 in our annexe constructions. These SIP’s can achieve an impressive 90-minute fire rating. Combining this with the HBCD in the EPS (Insulation), we take our annexe’s fire rating to well over 4 hours.

For A Free Garden Annexe Site Survey Call Us On 01277 414586

Hawksbeck Annexes

228 Priests Lane
Shenfield
Brentwood
Essex
CM15 8LG