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The homes aim to achieve a balance between low energy use and comfort
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Work is starting on the two family homes next month
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Achieving a balance between comfort and sustainability
By Kevin Brennan | 07 Oct, 2010
When 2016 finally arrives and housebuilders are expected to be building all homes to zero carbon standards, it would be good to think that we could offer something more than simply a low-energy solution. For wider, longer term sustainability, there are other factors that need to be taken into consideration throughout the design and construction process, including homeowner comfort, health and well-being.
Essentially, new homes must achieve the vital balance between reducing energy use and carbon emissions and creating a comfortable and practical living environment that people will want to and can afford to live in.
Pilot projects
VELUX launched its Model Home 2020 project – an international initiative that will see us conceive and construct six zero or low-carbon benchmark buildings, across five European countries, each of which will have a high ‘livability’ factor.
The project includes the design and construction of two semi-detached CarbonLight Homes in the UK, which we hope will provide an example of sustainable houses that are practical, comfortable and appealing to the consumer while remaining affordable and easily replicable for the mass housebuilding market.
The three and four-bedroom properties will be located in Kettering on a plot of land in the centre of the existing Bovis Homes Charter Park development. To ensure the successful delivery of the project, we are working closely with key partners including HTA Architects, which has extensive experience in the regeneration and sustainability sector and Willmott Dixon, which will be responsible for the construction, as well as Kettering Borough Council and North Northants Development Company.
Forward thinking
The scheme's innovative approach reflects the latest Government thinking and anticipates measures to be introduced in the next version of the Code for Sustainable Homes. It is expected to be one of the first built to the new definition of zero carbon, by delivering a 70% reduction in carbon emissions with the remaining 30% of carbon offset by allowable solutions – for example by funding improvements of existing local housing stock.
Research has shown that the use of natural daylight and ventilation is a prerequisite to a healthy lifestyle and the homes have been designed to incorporate extremely high daylight levels. Triple-height atriums around the stairs allow natural ventilation through both stack and cross ventilation, while allowing sunlight to penetrate deep into the home, which has further environmental benefit of reducing artificial heating and lighting demands.
Renewable technologies
The scheme benefits from class leading U-values and levels of airtightness. Each home will be super insulated and heated by air source heat pumps with individual biomass stoves as a source of secondary heat during the winter. The properties will also incorporate secure renewable technologies such as solar thermal systems, which will reduce the overall carbon emissions from space heating and hot water, and are a commonsense approach to low-energy building solutions.
By producing architecture that compliments the occupants' lifestyles, it’s the project’s intention to promote the concept of active living – reconnecting modern life with the rhythms and patterns of nature. The homes' open-plan, light and airy layout will encourage families to live sustainably and spend more time there – working, caring for the micro-allotment, entertaining or just relaxing.
Work is set to begin on the project next month. It is an ambitious development and one which we hope will set a benchmark for future sustainable communities in the immediate area and beyond.
Click here for further information about the project.
Kevin Brennan is head of sustainability at VELUX Company Ltd.
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