Morgan Homes is currently developing 54 new homes in Saundersfoot, with a clear commitment to energy efficiency. Taking a fabric-first approach, Morgan Homes is focused on creating a well-performing building envelope, supplemented with renewable technologies including solar photovoltaic panels and an air source heat pump as the main heating system. As part of this commitment, Morgan Homes requested an air tightness test on one of their early-stage bungalows, between the first and second fix phases, to confirm they are on track to achieve their design target of <5m³/hr.m²@50Pa for air permeability.

Our technical team at base have already completed the SAP, Overheating Calculations and Water efficiency Calculations on this project so its always a great pleasure to see sites coming to life!

Upon arrival, it was evident that the site layout was exceptionally organised—a subcontractor’s dream. The well-marked plots and a high-quality temporary road, rivalling some rural roads in Wales, not only demonstrated the developer’s attention to detail but also reflected their strong emphasis on health and safety. Being able to park conveniently near the plot made unloading our testing equipment a breeze.

After parking, we made our way to the clearly marked site cabins, where we found site manager Neil and company director Matt deep in conversation, going over the day’s tasks. Following our customary catch-up, we proceeded to Plot 54, a spaciously designed bungalow, and began preparations for the air tightness test. The aim was to gauge the airtightness of the structure at this stage, relying solely on the closed-panel timber frame system and the air-tightness membrane. Achieving satisfactory results now would provide the site team with confidence that the building envelope would meet airtightness standards without a rushed application of sealants and foam in the final stages.

Once the setup was complete, we depressurised the building and took 10 readings between 25Pa and 70Pa. The results were very encouraging, with an air permeability rate of 3.90 m³/hr.m². Although this was well within the target, the test also identified a few areas for improvement before the final completion test. Minor air leakage was noted around the French door reveal and thresholds, as well as around some unsealed pipework entering the plant room from the roof void.

After completing the official test, we kept the fan running and walked around the building with Neil and the site team to point out areas that could benefit from additional attention before the final test. This practical demonstration helped the team visualise potential adjustments to achieve even better results on subsequent tests.

As we left the site, we couldn’t resist taking a photo to capture the impressive layout, a testament to the meticulous planning and attention to detail that Morgan Homes has brought to this project.

Get in touch……

If you’re committed to achieving high energy efficiency and airtightness in your developments, we can support you at every stage. From early-phase audits and pre tests, to final completion checks, our dedicated site services team will help ensure your projects meets the highest  standards, just as we’ve done with Morgan Homes.