House Design

 

The philosophy which underpins the design is that homes can be made much more sustainable than they normally are. This applies to the way they are designed and built and the way they are lived in. The development is aimed at people who want to reduce the impact they have on the planet’s resources, whilst still living in an attractive and comfortable house in a very pleasant location.

 

A key objective is to ensure the homes are energy efficient and minimise the creation of CO2  in the manner of their construction and occupation. For example

 

  • Insulation will far exceed regulation standards.
  • Solar water heaters will be installed.
  • Heat will be extracted from a ventilation system.
  • Water for washing and winter heating will be provided by an automated boiler burning wood chippings.
  • The south facing aspect will be utilised to harness solar gain and reduce the need for heating by fuel.
  • The homes will be architect designed to be efficient rather than feature lots of equipment of dubious merit.
  • Tropical hardwoods will not be used.
  • Temperate woods will be from sustainably managed sources.
  • Recycling will be encouraged. The site will have its own bottle bank.
  • Roof water will be recycled to use in w.c’s.
  • Rainwater off the site will drain to a wildlife pond.
  • The central part of the “hamlet” will form a largely car free village green.
  • There will be an allotment for those who want one.

 

For anyone who would like more useable space they could commit to the purchase of one of five earth sheltered workshops/stores.  

 

It will be possible to select some aspects of a home to satisfy individual preferences. You will be able to discuss changes to rooms, fittings, kitchens and tiling with our architect.

 

Plans

 

The site layout is shown on the drawing. The basic composition of each terrace is the same but gable properties have end windows and larger gardens. Each home includes one allocated car space with other parking on a communal basis. These are 4 bed homes larger than the usual 4 bed home size on offer. It is possible to change the layout to 3 bed size or 5 room size. Note that entry to the north and south side is via an "air lock" to minimise the loss of warm air.

 

Prices will be determined when the tender for construction is let in July 2006.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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