Stacey July 24, 2012, 10:50:08

I am exploring the ptlisbisioy of building a Passivhaus in my garden. As our southern boundary runs alongside a major RAF helicopter training base, dealing with noise is a key issue. Your comments regarding the effectiveness of triple glazing were really quite reassuring, although we’ve lived alongside the airfield for eleven years, and it’s never really been as difficult to live with as we feared before we moved here.I rather like the idea of high thermal mass in the walls, partly to reduce noise, but also to maintain even temperatures. However most people seem to think timber frame is the best route.Our existing house is part of a very large Barn conversion, and we have 40cm thick masonry walls, which are brilliant. Even in the hottest heatwave we’re cool indoors, and we’re almost immune from power cuts in winter, because the house takes a long time to cool down when the heating goes off. That’s why I favour hight thermal mass. It also keeps the aircraft noise out very effectively. The roof is insulated with Rockwool, and overall the house, despite being converted to 1990 standards is surprisingly energy efficient.Do you have any views on the thermal mass issue?