An independent house builder based in Cumbria is rising to the challenge of meeting the Government’s new and demanding energy efficiency standards, four years ahead of national targets. Plans for a development designed to reach Level 4 of the new requirements set out in the Code for Sustainable Homes which demand a 44 per cent reduction in carbon emissions on Part L of the 2006 Building Regulations by 2013.

Currently 27 per cent of Britain’s carbon dioxide (C02) emissions, which add directly to global warming, come from homes (Carbon Trust 2007).

The plans for 42 green homes to be built at a unique location on the edge of the City of Carlisle’s Racecourse indicate that the dwellings have all been designed to incorporate the latest practical energy saving measures to produce truly energy efficient homes.

‘The Paddock’ development consists of a mixture of quality new build, semi detached homes, town houses and apartments as well as sympathetic conversions of former stables to produce unique homes. All will be super-insulated and feature triple glazed windows, as well as featuring air source heat pumps widely used in Scandinavia. The houses which have all been designed to be south facing, will also incorporate solar thermal panels which will produce approximately 60 per cent of the homes’ hot water throughout the year, as well as contributing to their heating.

The dwellings have also been designed to have high thermal mass, helping to keep them cooler in the summer months. ndhomes anticipates that the heat energy consumption of its homes could be up to 80 per cent less than for the average home which according to Government data (BERR Energy Trends, September 2008) is 16,742kWh per annum in typical conditions.

Sustainable and where possible local materials will be used and the homes will incorporate modern eco standards such as recycling bins, bike storage areas, natural drying spaces and water saving fixtures including rainwater or grey water harvesting. In addition, the building of the homes will take place under the Considerate Constructor Scheme.

The homes are being built by Cumbria based ndhomes.

Credits:: artists impression of the Paddock estate courtesy of nd homes