By Rosanna Apps

Wichello Place was a buzz of excitement as people rushed to see the last day of the Eco Open Houses.

The Queens Park houses were two of a number of eco-homes across the city that opened their doors for the week, to show people how to make homes more energy efficient and sustainable.

As utility prices rise, these examples of efficient homes are informative and interesting to anyone wanting to save money on ever increasing bills.

The renovation at 4 Wichello Place, a four storey Victorian terraced house is a good example for improving efficiency.

It is a more affordable improvement for many people, especially in the Hanover area where draughty old buildings are commonplace.

Owner Paul Early sat on his environmentally sound cork based floor, next to the wood burner with his laptop, ready to share his experience through an inspiring PowerPoint presentation.

Going into depth about carbon emissions and energy consumption brought home the reality of the savings that can be made.

Mr Early demonstrated the energy savings he had made from the more extensive renovations such as the external wall insulation, lime stone rendering and the new windows, giving advice and retrospect.

He also went into detail about changes of a smaller scale such as black out curtains, the cork underlay and the use of Warmcell insulation (recycled newspaper) under the floors.

Mr Early said: “We used to be huddled on the sofa with a blanket, with the heating on, taking it in turns to sit by the cold wall.”

Now Mr Early talks about how comfortable the house is. There are no draughty windows or doors, no damp walls and the Solar Thermal System can heat nearly 100% of the hot water used in the summer.

Mr Early’s enthusiasm for his newly renovated home and his willingness to share his knowledge is a great way to learn about energy efficiency.

Walking across the street, 1a Wichello Place is a completely different approach to an energy efficient home.

The two bedroom timber frame bungalow was built in 2007, on a small piece of land behind the homes on Wichello Place.

It is a hidden gem, tucked away from the busy streets.

This house was built to be efficient, with a small capacity dual flush toilet filled with used bath water, a recycled bright orange glass worktop, solar panels and sky lights that keep each room airy and bright.

To build an efficient home from scratch is a lot more expensive but it allows the more eco minded home owner a chance to purchase their materials from sustainable sources.

Both houses are different but each give examples of how to have an energy efficient home.

Guests included the Mayor of Brighton and Hove Councillor Bill Randall, who visited the homes on the last day (Sunday, October 28).

The eco-open houses take place every year with the help of Brighton Permaculture Trust and Brighton and Hove council.