We are delighted that the Code 6 Sustainable Housing Development - Cranes
Court, for our client Swan Housing Group, has recently begun on
site.
This
new urban quarter in Basildon is created with courtyards facing a listed
mediaeval church at the end of Cranes Lane. Pedestrian and cycle routes
pass through the site and car access is restricted. Most homes directly
face the sun and, due to the high insulation construction, the heating
needs in the 28 houses and flats will be very low.
Insulation
levels are provided to Passivhaus standards with average U values of
0.15
W/m2K or better and are very air tight. Mechanical ventilation with
heat recovery reduces CO2 loss further. An innovative biofuel based
combined heat and power plant provides heating, hot water and electricity
for residents. This approach avoids the installation of solar panels,
which was objected to by the planners.
Storage
areas for bicycles and recycling are included.
With
many mature trees on site, achieving Level 6 of the Code for Sustainable
Homes was particularly difficult. The design therefore had to
gain
maximum points from the non-ecology sections within the Code.
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