The University of Nottingham has started work on two concept homes, in partnership with Tarmac Limited, designed to provide house builders and registered social landlords with a blueprint for low cost, zero carbon homes that can be built in large numbers across the country.
The two semi-detached properties are being built as part of the next phase of The University of Nottingham’s pioneering research into innovative energy efficient homes for the future. The latest buildings will be the first in the UK to demonstrate that it is possible to build zero carbon homes using traditional masonry building techniques as part of large scale development.
Dr Mark Gillott, who is leading the Creative Energy Homes Project at the School of Built Environment, said, "The research we are undertaking here at the University of Nottingham is essential due to the massive step changes in design and construction practice required to meet the UK's Code for Sustainable Homes targets — the post occupancy evaluation of these homes is important in allowing us to understand how they work in reality and not just on paper."
Phil Sabin, Tarmac’s Business Development Manager adds: “Up until now, zero-carbon homes in the UK have been one-off showpieces which nobody lives in, or they are highly costly ‘Grand Designs’ which only a small minority of people can afford.
“We are breaking new ground by building two properties which are affordable, zero- carbon and could potentially be built as part of large-scale development. With Government targets for all new homes to be zero carbon by 2016, together with its plans for three million new homes to be built by 2020, it is vital that we use this research project in Nottingham to show the construction industry how this can be achieved.”
Researchers, in collaboration with Tarmac and its partners Lovell, the leading affordable house builder, and Bill Dunster Architects are hoping to understand how meeting the highest levels of zero-carbon housing translates into practical reality.
The project will also tackle some of the industry myths that still surround the Code for Sustainable Homes (CfSH). This includes misconceptions relating to the Green Code product specification and the optimum mix of renewables required for Code Level 6 properties.
The Tarmac home is the latest home to be built on Green Close on University Park near the School of Built Environment. It expected to be completed by July 2009. It will provide accommodations for visiting academics while researchers will analyse the energy usage and thermal efficiency as well as how occupants potentially have to adapt to living in a Code Level 6 and 4 properties.
A total of six homes are planned for Green Close. Last year saw the completion of the BASF house which showcases all the latest technology for energy efficient living. E-ON has also collaborated with the University to build a 1930s style house to assess cost effective measures for reducing carbon emissions from ageing domestic properties.
