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The scheme aimed to develop sustainable housing that addresses the constraints and realities of social housing. Initially consideration was given to testing technologies in an individual house. It was quickly recognised that a whole estate needed to be built if the scheme was to have a positive and lasting contribution. The homes were built on a derelict brownfield site close to existing facilities and communities. The scheme was designed to address residents' concerns on space standards, neighbourhood security and heating and water costs. It also addresses ecological and comfort and health issues. Extensive monitoring measures are included to enable benefits to be assessed.
Standard gas boilers were installed with an intelligent control system. The system is easy to use and optimises performance by monitoring ambient temperatures. Low volume WCs, flow restrictor taps and water butts will reduce mains water consumption and make resident cost savings. Initial plans included the use of a rainwater recycling system for WC flushing to further reduce the need to use mains water. However, health concerns and statutory requirements could not be overcome within the allocated budget and the system was not installed. The buildings have been designed and orientated to maximise passive solar gain (faced within 25° of south). Flat plate solar collectors pre-heat hot water, which could meet up to 60% of household demand. Photovoltaic roof tiles that co-ordinate with the normal roof tiles are installed for one home. The energy produced from daylight is used directly by the house to meet some of its energy demands. Any surplus is fed to the National Grid. Recycling and reuse of materials was also important. Cellulose insulation, reclaimed bricks and timber, recycled stone and hardcore for infill and the use of waste wood for I beams of the timber structure all assisted in reducing the environmental impact of construction. Over 50% of the walls and floors are constructed with recycled materials. Two different insulating techniques were adopted. Twelve homes had cellulose (recycled newspaper) blown in between wall and floor I beams on site. Two others were constructed from fully insulated pre-fabricated panels. The development went beyond a sustainable building fabric and considered site and lifestyle issues. An ecological assessment of the site established the natural features to be retained, and identified the types of planting to be introduced to enhance the existing ecological value. Multiple storage containers are provided to encourage the separation of household waste for recycling. A manual was given to all residents promoting the use of energy efficient appliances. To accommodate residents throughout their lifetime, the properties are built with wide doorsets, level access, comfortable pitch of stairway, accessible sockets, space standards in excess of Paker Morris, non load bearing partitions, and the opportunity for shower installation at ground floor.
The scheme cost in the region of 20% more than a standard build. It needs to be noted that the scheme was used to explore and test new techniques and technologies that could improve environmental performance of housing. The higher costs reflect this process. The experience developed from this project is to be applied to a second phase of development. It is expected that additional environmental cost will be substantially reduced, by perhaps 50%.
Contact:
Stuart Gee,
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