Our customers require accommodation that is well insulated, light, airy, well ventilated and compliant with all statutory regulations. They also demand materials which are robust, safe, non-toxic, and procured ethically from sustainable sources.
We aim to ensure that our affordable apartments are fitted with low-energy heat sources and that users are provided with simple mechanisms to control their own energy consumption. We rely on the sound basic principles of building design optimisation, passive measures and the efficient performance of the installed systems in preference to bolt-on measures designed to reduce energy and be seen as green 'bling'.
As we retain ownership of our completed properties the detailing and specification are designed to be long life and robust accordingly, as we will maintain the facilities post completion.
We do not approach our work to gain non-statutory certificates or use academic tick boxes. We adopt practical and pragmatic means to be energy efficient to be responsible whilst avoiding adding unnecessary costs which would increase the rental amounts penalising our potential tenants.
Typically, most of our schemes incorporate these features:
- Openable Windows for natural ventilation
- 'Blue roof' drainage attenuation solutions
- Natural water attenuation
- Natural ventilation to car parking levels
- Projecting balconies provide solar shading to the windows below.
- Electric efficient heating systems
- A Heat exchange system via whole house extract vent system
- Efficient water-saving fittings
- Recycling and waste management system
- Local buying policy for materials
- Use our established local main contractor with their local labour force
- Specify and source materials from responsible and ethical companies.
- Work with the supply chain to reduce packaging and delivery materials. Optimise material specification to reduce on-site wastage
- We do not utilise high carbon elements
- We choose brick as the principal envelope material due to its robust, affordable and durable characteristics. It is also lower carbon than curtain walling
- We specify simple controls throughout
- We select low-energy appliances and balance energy usage against reliability, cost of replacement, life cycle costs and other performance criteria