I was interested to read Chris Jarvis’ letter (21 July) concerning the use of thermal mass in new buildings.

As he points out, the move to off-site and modern methods of construction has led to an increase in the number of lightweight homes being built, encouraged by the £60,000 home project.

Although energy saving is laudable and these buildings do require less in their construction, that used over the building’s life far outweighs this saving, even when the transport requirements of heavy materials are considered.

Alex Brett, student building surveyor

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